Shooting of Quran Burner During Live Stream in Sweden

In a shocking incident in Sweden, a 38-year-old Iraqi man, known for publicly burning copies of the Quran, was shot dead during a live stream on social media. Salwan Momika was killed in Södertälje, a town southwest of Stockholm, just before the court was expected to announce its verdict in his case involving charges of incitement to hatred.

Momika had gained notoriety for his controversial actions in 2023, which included multiple instances of Quran burning and other acts deemed offensive to the Muslim community. His actions sparked widespread outrage and protests, particularly in Iraq, where demonstrators stormed the Swedish embassy in Bagdad. The fallout from these incidents also affected Sweden's NATO accession process, as Turkey delayed its approval in response to the public outrage.

On the evening of his death, Momika was broadcasting on TikTok when the attack occurred. According to police reports, they confirmed the shooting and stated that a murder investigation was underway. Following the incident, law enforcement arrested five individuals on suspicion of involvement in the crime, though their identities have not yet been disclosed.

Momika's actions, including trampling on the Quran and using it in disrespectful ways, had drawn significant backlash from the Muslim world, leading to calls for stricter regulations regarding such demonstrations in Sweden and neighboring Denmark.

On the day he was killed, the Stockholm District Court had postponed the verdict in his case due to the unexpected turn of events. His accomplice, Salwan Najem, expressed fears for his own safety following the incident, suggesting that he might be the next target.

Momika fled Iraq in 2017 and sought asylum in Sweden. He had recently received a one-year extension of his temporary residence permit, with the Swedish Migration Agency citing concerns about potential torture or inhumane treatment should he return to his home country.

This incident raises questions about freedom of expression, the limits of protest, and the growing tensions surrounding religious sentiments in Sweden and beyond. The government may now face increased pressure to address the balance between upholding free speech and preventing hate speech.