On January 30, 2025, authorities reported that Salwan Momika, an Iraqi man known for several Quran burnings in Sweden, was killed in a shooting near Stockholm. The incident occurred late Wednesday night in Södertälje, prompting an investigation and the arrest of five suspects on murder charges.
- Iraqi man Salwan Momika killed near Stockholm
- Quran burnings sparked global outrage and riots
- Court postponed verdict due to Momika's death
- Five suspects arrested for murder
- Momika claimed protests targeted Islam, not Muslims
- Swedish police allowed demonstrations for free speech
Salwan Momika gained international attention in 2023 for his controversial demonstrations involving the burning and desecration of the Quran. These actions sparked protests and unrest across various Muslim-majority countries. He immigrated to Sweden from Iraq in 2018 and was granted a residence permit in 2021. His demonstrations were permitted under Sweden’s freedom of speech laws, despite facing legal charges for incitement to hatred.
Following the shooting, police discovered Momika with gunshot wounds at an apartment building in Södertälje. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Stockholm District Court had postponed a verdict in a trial involving Momika, which was scheduled for the same day as his death. Prosecutors stated that five adults were arrested overnight on suspicion of murder, and the investigation is in its early stages.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson noted that the country’s security service is involved in the investigation, indicating concerns about potential connections to foreign powers. Momika had previously made headlines for his statements about the Quran, claiming his protests targeted the religion itself rather than Muslim individuals. He was arrested in Norway last March while attempting to seek asylum but was returned to Sweden.
The death of Salwan Momika has raised significant questions regarding security and freedom of expression in Sweden. As the investigation unfolds, it highlights the complexities surrounding controversial acts that provoke strong reactions in diverse communities.
