Salwan Momika, the 38-year-old man who ignited international outrage by burning a copy of the Quran outside Stockholm’s Central Mosque in 2023, has been shot dead in Sweden, according to local media reports. His killing took place in an apartment in Södertälje, a suburb of Stockholm, on Wednesday evening. The incident has been met with both concern and further controversy, as Momika’s actions had already sparked violent protests and diplomatic tensions across several countries.
Momika, originally from Iraq and living in Sweden, was known for his provocative anti-Islam protests, particularly a series of Quran burnings, which led to violent protests and unrest in Muslim-majority nations. His actions also prompted significant protests at the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, leading to the expulsion of the Swedish ambassador. These events unfolded amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Sweden and several Middle Eastern countries.
The Swedish police reported that five individuals had been arrested in connection with the shooting of a man in his 40s, which was later confirmed to be Momika. Local reports indicated that he had been livestreaming on social media just before the fatal shooting. Authorities have not yet determined the motive behind his death, but the circumstances surrounding the shooting are being thoroughly investigated.
In August 2023, Momika was charged along with another individual for “agitation against an ethnic group” after carrying out a series of protests in the summer. This included his act of burning the Quran, which was permitted by Swedish police under the country’s free speech laws. Sweden has faced significant backlash for allowing such protests, with many calling for a reevaluation of the country’s stance on free expression in cases where it could lead to violent unrest.
While Momika’s actions were legal under Swedish law, they triggered debates about the limits of free speech, particularly in a multicultural society. Following the protests, the Swedish government had pledged to explore potential legal changes to prevent such provocations in the future. The verdict regarding his charges was set to be delivered this Thursday, but it has now been postponed due to his death.
The tragic and controversial events surrounding Salwan Momika have placed Sweden at the center of an ongoing discussion about the balance between free speech and respect for religious beliefs. His death has reignited global debates on the topic and raised questions about the consequences of highly divisive actions.
