An Iranian national is in custody after being charged in connection with a stabbing at a protest in central London on Wednesday.
Vahid Madaffard, 37, of Kenilworth Avenue, Harrow, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Metropolitan Police officers responded to reports of an altercation in Whitehall just before 7.20pm on Wednesday evening.
The court heard a protest was taking place and counter-protesters were also in attendance, the two parties being anti-Iranian regime protesters and pro-Iranian regime demonstrators.
The Crown says that members of the public told police on the scene that someone had been stabbed.
Police said five men were arrested at the scene in connection with the incident, and one of these men, who is in his 40s, was taken to hospital but later discharged.
His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
Four men who were arrested at the scene have been bailed while police inquiries continue.
Madaffard was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on May 22.
