Morteza Sadeghi, a 43-year-old Afghan citizen and well-regarded owner of the Sepideh restaurant in Hamburg, Germany, died after sustaining multiple stab wounds.

Reports indicate that the altercation occurred after Sadeghi refused a request by an Iranian-origin monarchist migrant to display the "Lion and Sun" flag of Iran`s former monarchy inside his restaurant. The dispute allegedly escalated into a confrontation that ultimately led to his killing.

According to AnsarPress, the incident took place on the evening of Thursday, February 12, in Hamburg. German police reported that at approximately 9:30 p.m. local time, they received a call about a fight between two men inside a restaurant. The altercation later moved to the parking area behind the building. Police stated that the victim was stabbed multiple times during the incident and suffered critical injuries.

Morteza Sadeghi, originally from Herat, was the owner of Sepideh, one of Hamburg`s oldest and best-known restaurants specializing in Afghan and Iranian cuisine. He had lived in Germany for more than 35 years and founded the restaurant around 25 years ago. Acquaintances and neighboring business owners described him as a reputable and well-known figure within the migrant community.

According to some sources, the alleged attacker was an Iranian-origin individual who, after dining at the restaurant, reportedly used abusive language and threats in an attempt to pressure Sadeghi into displaying the "Lion and Sun" flag inside the establishment. It is reported that Sadeghi refused the request, leading to a verbal dispute. The confrontation began inside the restaurant and later extended to the parking area outside. The suspect allegedly stabbed him multiple times before fleeing the scene.

Although German police have not yet officially announced a motive for the attack, some media accounts have cited the dispute over the display of the "Lion and Sun" flag as the trigger for the violence.

German media report that Sadeghi`s family and relatives immediately transported him to a local hospital. Despite doctors` efforts, he died approximately one hour later due to the severity of his injuries.

Following news of his death, several relatives and acquaintances gathered outside the hospital. Police implemented extensive security measures to prevent potential unrest, blocking roads leading to the facility with multiple patrol vehicles.

Reports indicate that the suspect fled after the incident, and efforts to identify and apprehend him are ongoing.