41-year-old Mazhar Ali, from Stockton, Teesside, was stabbed by a 20-year-old man on Christmas Eve in Manjaros restaurant on Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, and died the following day at James Cook University Hospital.
Efreeqi Mohamed Siddig is accused of murdering Mazhar Ali, as well as carrying an offensive weapon. He appeared at Teesside Magistrate's Court on Boxing Day.
Manjaros restaurant was due to feed homeless people on Christmas Day but cancelled and remained close following this incident. The restaurant has now reopened.
Tribute for Mazhar Ali were posted on Facebook. A post on Manjaros' Facebook page read, “Rest in Peace Mazhar Ali. Our sincere condolences go out to Mazhar and all his family after the tragic incident of his passing away... after an incident occurred between Mazhar and an employee at Manjaros in the rear kitchen. Mazhar was a key part of the Manjaros family working closely with the Leeds and Middlesbrough branch. He will be truly missed by us all at Manjaros, out thoughts and prayers are with both him and his family during this difficult time.”
