Turnbull passionately defends liberal senator Jim Molan

• Malcolm Turnbull has defended new senator Jim Molan against racism claims
• The retired army major-general posted videos by 'white pride' group Britain First
• The footage and videos in question purport to show Muslim violence in Europe
• Senator Molan had told parliament on Monday he was not racist or anti-Islam
• Donald Trump has posted videos from the same group, but claimed ignorance

By Australian Associated Press

Published: 06:00 GMT, 6 February 2018 | Updated: 06:00 GMT, 6 February 2018

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has launched a passionate defence of new senator Jim Molan in the wake of racism claims.

The retired major-general and now NSW Liberal senator shared videos by far-right UK group Britain First on Facebook in March last year which purport to show Muslim violence in Europe.

Senator Molan told parliament on Monday he was not racist or anti-Islam and had shared the videos because he was against violence and anti-social behaviour.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) has launched a passionate defence of Jim Molan

The retired major-general and now NSW Liberal senator Jim Molan shared videos (pictured) by far-right UK group Britain First last year which purport to show Muslim violence in Europe

Labor leader Bill Shorten bought into the debate on Tuesday, asking the prime minister in question time whether he would direct Senator Molan to take down the material.

Mr Turnbull said describing Senator Molan as racist was deplorable and disgusting.

'He has stood up for our values, put his life on the line, led our troops and our allies' troops in conflict,' the prime minister told parliament.

'Jim Molan is a great Australian soldier. We are lucky to have him in the Senate. He doesn't have a racist bone in his body. He has stood up for freedom, stood up against extremism.'

Senator Jim Molan (pictured) told parliament on Monday that he was not racist or anti-Islam

Malcolm Turnbull (left) has defended senator Jim Molan (right), calling him a 'great Australian'

Last month, US President Donald Trump apologised for retweeting Britain First videos, claiming he didn't know who the group was.

Senator Molan said he had shared the clips long before Mr Trump had brought the group to the world's attention.

Greens leader Richard Di Natale asked Defence Minister Marise Payne in parliament whether she was concerned the former major-general's views influenced his approach to the military campaign in the Iraqi city of Fallujah 14 years ago.

Donald Trump also retweeted Britain First videos, claiming he didn't know who the group was

Senator Molan said he had shared the clips long before Mr Trump had brought the group to the world's attention.

'That reflection on the service of a senior Australian Army officer takes your lows to depths that I did not think you could plumb,' Senator Payne said in response.

The Fallujah campaign was heavily criticised for its indifference to civilians.

'We are lucky to have [Jim Molan]…He doesn't have a racist bone in his body,' Mr Turnbull said

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