Sweden: The Killing of Quran-Burning Terrist Salwan Momika

Swedish media have confirmed that Salwan Momika, the Iraqi activist who sparked global outrage by burning copies of the Quran in 2023, was shot dead in his apartment in southern Stockholm.

The Swedish website “Local” reported that the death of Momika, who had gained international attention for his Quran-burning protests, was confirmed. He had been involved in protests throughout 2023, igniting anger among Muslim communities worldwide.

Momika Charged with Hate Crimes

Momika, along with his accomplice Salwan Najm, was charged with committing hate crimes in Sweden. Prosecutors stated that, in addition to burning the Quran, both individuals made statements that could be perceived as inciting hatred against specific groups of people.

Murder Confirmation and Ongoing Investigation

On Thursday morning, Swedish police contacted Salwan Najm, who confirmed that Momika had been killed. Swedish newspaper “Dagens Nyheter” reported that Momika was shot dead while performing a live stream on social media. However, the police have not confirmed these reports, and investigations are ongoing.

Court Decision Delayed

The Stockholm District Court postponed the ruling on the case until February 3, 2025, as one of the defendants has been killed. The court emphasized that this delay was necessary due to the death of one of the accused.

Five Arrested in Connection to the Shooting

According to Swedish media, five individuals have been arrested in connection to the shooting of Salwan Momika.

The Global Backlash Against Momika’s Quran Desecration

The actions of Momika and Najm, particularly their repeated desecration of the Quran, led to widespread outrage in Muslim-majority countries. In July 2023, there was an attack on the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, where the building was set on fire.

Salwan Momika, an Iraqi Christian who sought asylum in Sweden, repeatedly burned copies of the Quran in 2023. His actions sparked outrage across the Muslim world, with protests and calls for accountability. While the Swedish government condemned the desecration of the Quran, it defended the principle of freedom of expression, allowing Momika to carry out protests with police protection.