Vic left activist says right attacked him

A left-wing protester plans to fight allegations he assaulted a far-right activist at a Milo Yiannopoulos event in Melbourne, claiming he acted in self defence.

Piergiorgio Moro, 53, is charged with assaulting Ricky Turner outside a speaking event held by right-wing commentator Yiannopoulos in December.

The alleged assault occurred during a violent clash between protesters who were broken up by hundreds of police, including many in riot gear.

Daniel Dadich, 34, and Luke O'Neill, 22, are also accused of assaulting Turner, an associate of high-profile far-right activist Neil Erikson.

Moro faced Melbourne Magistrates Court for a brief hearing on Thursday and later indicated he would fight the assault allegations.

"I'm pleading not guilty because of self defence," he told AAP outside court.

"I was attacked and I defended myself."

Far-right pair Turner and Erikson were charged with assaulting Moro and O'Neill with a wooden flag pole.

The clash allegedly occurred as left and right protesters clashed outside the Kensington venue where Yiannopoulos was speaking.

A number of people were charged with riot and affray, including Moro, O'Neill and Dadich.

Since the event, Turner and Erikson have announced plans to start a right-wing political party called Cooks Convicts.

Moro is a Libyan-born "anti-fascist" activist who has spent years opposing far-right groups and standing up for immigrants and minorities.

Moro and O'Neill are due to return to court on August 31 for a contested mention.

Prosecutors indicated they consent to Dadich's case being dealt with by a diversion plan, meaning he would avoid a criminal conviction.