Swedish authorities are investigating the murder of Salwan Momika, the Iraqi-born activist known for staging Quran-burning demonstrations in Stockholm. Police have arrested five individuals on suspicion of murder. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that security services are probing potential foreign links, underscoring the political and international ramifications of Momika’s death.
BY PC Bureau
Salwan Momika, an Iraqi-born activist who ignited global outrage with his Quran-burning protests in Sweden in 2023, has been shot dead in Stockholm, Swedish authorities confirmed. A spokesperson from the prosecutor’s office told CNN that the fatal shooting occurred Wednesday evening, prompting the arrest of five suspects on murder charges.
Momika, who arrived in Sweden from Iraq in 2018, had been scheduled for sentencing on Thursday in a trial where he faced charges of incitement to racial hatred. His verdict has now been postponed, Stockholm District Court’s lawyer Göran Lundahl stated. Momika had previously defended his demonstrations, claiming that the Quran posed a threat to democracy, ethics, and human rights.
“Salwan Momika, the Iraqi Christian who was shot dead in Sweden yesterday for warning the West about Islam, was previously contacted by Tommy Robinson.
Tommy had called for Salwan to be granted asylum in the UK.”
– @FarazPervaiz3 pic.twitter.com/BYamgd0SaC
— Imtiaz Mahmood (@ImtiazMadmood) January 30, 2025
Swedish authorities initially denied Momika permits to protest, but the Court of Appeals overturned the decision, citing freedom of speech. Despite facing widespread criticism, Momika amassed over 230,000 followers on X, where he frequently shared anti-Islamic posts and updates on his legal battles. Recently, he had sought donations to secure legal assistance in his bid for asylum in the United States.
Remember Salwan Momika, an Iraqi, who was famous for criticising lsIam and burning the Qur’an,
He was shot dead by Islamists during a live stream in Sweden.
He is dead now but he inspired many. Many Salwan will come to fight the evil.
OM Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/TCNmWKj3L0
— Sunanda Roy 👑 (@SaffronSunanda) January 30, 2025
The murder investigation will involve Sweden’s security services due to concerns about potential foreign involvement, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced at a press briefing. “Given the sensitive nature of the case, we must explore all angles,” Kristersson said, as reported by public broadcaster SVT.
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Authorities are now working to determine whether Momika’s killing is linked to international political tensions or his controversial protests that drew both local and global attention.
