Salwan Momika, an Iraqi refugee known for his controversial Quran burnings, was shot and killed in Sweden on January 29, just as a court was about to rule on whether his actions amounted to incitement to racial hatred. The Stockholm District Court quickly postponed the verdict after confirming his death.
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire in an apartment in Södertälje’s Hovsjö district around 11 p.m. The shooting may have been partially broadcast live on Momika’s TikTok, though police have neither confirmed nor denied this. Five individuals have been arrested, and the case is being treated as a murder. The Swedish Security Service has joined the investigation due to potential extremist motives.
Momika gained international notoriety for publicly desecrating the Quran, sparking outrage across the Muslim world and straining Sweden’s diplomatic ties. His demonstrations, always under heavy police presence, involved tearing, stomping on, and burning Islam’s holy book—actions he proudly shared on social media. Sweden’s commitment to free speech allowed him to continue, but the fallout was immense, with Turkey delaying Sweden’s NATO accession and Iraq demanding his extradition. A reward of $2 million and a 2kg gold Quran was reportedly offered for his assassination.
Fleeing Iraq in 2018, Momika initially secured a temporary residence permit in Sweden, but it was revoked in 2023. His asylum bid in Norway failed, yet he regained protection in Sweden due to fears of torture in Iraq. Alongside his partner, Salwan Najem, he faced multiple charges of incitement to racial hatred.
In an August 2024 interview with Expressen, Momika defended his actions: “I chose Sweden because I knew that it is a country where law and order are applied equally to everyone. I know that Sweden and Swedish society cherish free thinking and freedom for individuals to criticize and question religions.” Najem added, “Sweden has been sold to the Islamists. If you talk about Islam, it becomes incitement to racial hatred.”
Momika’s killing comes as Sweden grapples with escalating violent crime. More than 30 explosions have rocked the country since the start of the year. On January 30, the government had planned a special meeting to address the surge in organized crime.
