Salwan Momika, the Iraqi man who gained notoriety for burning copies of the Quran in Sweden this year, has been shot and killed near Stockholm. His actions sparked global outrage and condemnation, particularly within Muslim communities, leading to protests and unrest in various countries.
Swedish authorities confirmed Momika's death following a shooting incident at an apartment complex in Södertälje on Wednesday night. Five adults have been arrested in connection with the killing, and an investigation is underway, with prosecutors considering potential links to international actors.
Momika, 38, arrived in Sweden from Iraq in 2018 and received a three-year residency permit in 2021. He maintained that his demonstrations were aimed at the Islamic faith, not individuals, and sought to highlight what he perceived as dangerous messages within the Quran. Swedish authorities permitted his actions under freedom of speech protections, while simultaneously pursuing legal charges against him for hate speech.
A court case related to these charges was scheduled for Thursday but has been postponed due to Momika's death. He had previously been arrested in Norway after expressing intentions to seek asylum there, but he was subsequently returned to Sweden.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has indicated the involvement of the nation's security service, acknowledging the possibility of foreign involvement in the killing.
