Albania: Timeline of the murder case of the young Portuguese man

Albanian authorities are investigating the brutal murder of a 20-year-old Portuguese tourist, Luis Miguel Varela Mendes, who was fatally stabbed during a violent altercation in Sarandë. The incident, which began at the "Principote" bar and spilled onto a nearby beach in the early hours of August 18, has led to 11 arrests, with police actively seeking two additional individuals.

The primary suspect identified is 29-year-old Sokrat Lipan, also known as Sokrat Vata. He was apprehended in the Levan area of Fier, reportedly concealed in the trunk of a car bound for Tirana. Authorities believe Lipan was attempting to escape the country following the deadly confrontation. Two Turkish citizens, 31-year-old Ezgi Perlak and 38-year-old Nuh Mahmutoglu, were also in the vehicle and are suspected of aiding Lipan's attempted escape.

Police are also searching for 29-year-old David Heurtevent, who allegedly struck the victim during the brawl, and 36-year-old Bekim Bulica. Both are facing charges of "intentional homicide in cooperation" alongside Lipan. Among the arrested are bar staff and security personnel from "Principote." Some are accused of participating in the fight, while others face scrutiny for failing to report the incident to authorities promptly.

Notably, four individuals responsible for security at "Principote", including a border police officer, a correctional facility employee, and a municipal police officer, are under investigation. Authorities state they did not intervene to stop the escalating conflict, which originated inside the bar, nor did they alert the police afterward. The owner of "Principote" also reportedly left the scene without reporting the incident.