Journalist Klodiana Lala, invited to a television studio, has provided additional details regarding the murder of 20-year-old Portuguese Luis Miguel Varela Mendes near the “Principote” complex in Ksamil.
Lala underlined that such events at the peak of the tourist season severely damage the country’s image, so the State Police must increase vigilance in coastal areas due to the large influx of visitors.
According to the journalist, the incident began during a party organized at the “Principote” hotel, where the 20-year-old Portuguese was accompanied by some of his French friends. The serious clash is suspected to have started after an argument about an Albanian girl, where Sokrat Vata then intervened.
The latter worked as a guide (host) for tourists due to his knowledge of foreign languages during his stay in Britain and France, where he also has a criminal record.
Police officer Moisid Matushaj, who was employed at the business, was also involved in the massive brawl. After the physical altercation in which he himself was injured, Vata went outside and stabbed the Portuguese citizen to death.
After the crime, Sokrat Vata fled with the help of his colleague, officer Moisid Matushaj. However, after Vata asked to be taken to the hospital due to his injuries, Matushaj left him in the middle of the road and notified the police about the incident.
Following the attempt to flee, the 29-year-old was caught in Levan hiding in the trunk of a vehicle in which two Turkish citizens were traveling. The foreigners claimed to know him and were paying him as a bodyguard, while Vata hid in the trunk near Levan out of fear of police checkpoints.