- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 30 Jan 2025 03:56 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Salwan Momika, a 38-year-old man who ignited global outrage in 2023 by repeatedly burning the Quran in Sweden, was fatally shot on Wednesday night, according to media reports and police confirmations. The incident has drawn attention due to the high-profile controversies surrounding Momika's actions and their repercussions in Muslim-majority countries.
The Stockholm District Court revealed on Thursday that a verdict in a case involving Momika had to be postponed because one of the defendants, confirmed to be Momika, had died, as reported by AP. Judge Goran Lundahl stated that no further details were available regarding the circumstances or timing of his death.
Police reported responding to a shooting in Sodertalje, a town near Stockholm, on Wednesday night. Upon arrival, officers discovered a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save him, the victim succumbed to his injuries. A preliminary investigation into the suspected murder has been launched, but authorities have yet to provide further information regarding potential motives or suspects.
Swedish broadcaster SVT, citing unnamed sources, identified the victim as Momika. The controversial figure, originally from Iraq, arrived in Sweden in 2018 and was granted a three-year residence permit in 2021. His actions in 2023 brought him into the global spotlight, as videos of his Quran-burning demonstrations circulated widely, triggering widespread condemnation from Muslim nations and provoking riots and unrest in multiple regions.
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How Salwan Momika Stirred Global Outrage
In 2023, Salwan Momika organised multiple anti-Islam demonstrations, often using Arabic hashtags of Muslim-majority countries to maximise publicity. With police protection and legal permission, he desecrated and burned the Quran, actions that led to attacks against him.
That same year, the Swedish Migration Agency ordered his expulsion, but due to threats against him in Iraq, the decision could not be enforced. As a result, he was granted a temporary residence permit until April 2024. Middle Eastern nations, including Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, strongly condemned the burning of the Quran, with Turkey calling it a "despicable act". Turkey, a NATO member with influence over Sweden's potential membership, expressed that such actions under the guise of free speech were unacceptable. Morocco and Jordan also recalled their ambassadors to Sweden, while Morocco summoned Sweden’s charge d’affaires.
Iran and Egypt described the act as provocative and shameful, especially during Eid al-Adha. Saudi Arabia rejected the act, saying it could not be justified. Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, acknowledged the burning was legal but inappropriate.