Australian neo-nazis arrested in Adelaide Australia Day march claim they did nothing wrong

A gang of neo-Nazis arrested over a racist Australia Day rally has vowed to hire far right-wing lawyers to fight their charges as a Perth man charged over the march claimed the group simply believed in “Australian patriotism”.

James Allan Holliday touched down at Perth Airport on Wednesday morning after facing Adelaide Magistrates Court over claims he joined other members of the National Socialist Network to march through Adelaide at the weekend.

Police have charged Mr Holliday, 25, of Marangaroo, with carrying an offensive weapon or article of disguise, using a nazi symbol, and giving a nazi salute.

Speaking to 7NEWS, Mr Holliday, denied displaying a nazi symbol and when asked what he was doing at the march, replied: “Celebrating Australia Day.”

Asked to respond to comments by Police Commissioner Col Blanch this week, who said “doors will be coming off their hinges” in response to revelations the group was looking to expand in WA, Mr Holliday said, “For what? For celebrating Australia Day?”

When asked, “Don’t you think it’s pretty clear this behaviour is not welcome here in Australia?” Mr Holliday repeated he was “Celebrating Australia Day in Australia”.

And pressed on whether he was proud of his alleged behaviour, Mr Holliday said, “Of course I am. You sing Waltzing Matilda and say Happy Australia Day. There is nothing to be more proud of on Australia Day.”

Mr Holliday said the National Socialist Network believed “in Australian patriotism, my friend” before refusing to answer further questions.

Two other WA men were charged over the march, including Mason James Robbins, 30, who is facing claims he was carrying an offensive weapon or article of disguise and using a nazi symbol.

The court was told the charge of displaying a nazi symbol was linked to the wearing of the insignia of the NSN.

One-time Busselton council candidate Stephen Wells, 55, of Broadwater, is charged with loitering. He did not apply for bail after he said he did not accept the “jurisdiction of this court”.

The group made headlines across the country after protesting in Adelaide’s city centre dressed in black and allegedly chanting “white man fight back” and singing Waltzing Matilda.

Earlier this week, The West Australian reported the NSN was actively recruiting young men via social media, posting photographs of themselves with the group’s flag.

Mr Blanch said police knew the identities of those purporting to be white supremacists and they were being tracked.

“We know who they are, we know where they live, and we know their presence online,” he said.

Mr Blanch added police would be speaking to the trio charged over the Adelaide march after their return to WA.

He encouraged people to call out extremist behaviour in the community.

Premier Roger Cook on Wednesday said, “I absolutely endorse the words of the police commissioner when he says he will kick down doors to arrest people who undermine the Western Australian way of life.”