Salwan Momika, the Iraqi Christian who sparked outrage in the Muslim world by repeatedly burning the Koran in Sweden during 2023, was shot dead late Wednesday in the city of Sodertalje, south of Stockholm. Five people have been arrested in connection with the murder, and authorities have initiated an investigation.
Prosecutor Rasmus Oman confirmed that the investigation was in its early stages, with authorities gathering information. Momika, aged 38, was found in an apartment building after being shot, and despite being taken to the hospital, he later died from his injuries. Media reports suggest the shooting may have been broadcast live on social media, and sources indicate the attacker gained access to the building via the roof.
A Stockholm court had been scheduled to rule on Thursday regarding Momika's guilt for inciting ethnic hatred. The case stemmed from his Koran burnings in 2023, which had led to charges of "agitation against an ethnic group" on multiple occasions. The court has now postponed the ruling until February 3 due to Momika's death.
Momika's protests, which included burning the Koran and making derogatory remarks about Muslims, led to strained relations between Sweden and several Middle Eastern nations. In July 2023, Iraqi protesters stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, causing significant damage. Sweden's intelligence service raised its threat level, citing the risk posed by these acts.
In an interview in April 2023, Momika stated that his actions were not intended to harm Sweden, a country that had provided him refuge. He had lived in Sweden since 2018 but had his residency permit revoked in 2023 due to false information in his application. Though he was granted a temporary permit due to deportation challenges, Iraq requested his extradition for one of the Koran burnings.
Momika's journey included a turbulent political past in Iraq, where he was linked to an armed Christian faction and anti-corruption protests. His social media activity reflected his involvement in Iraq's political scene.
While the burning of the Koran in Sweden is protected under freedom of speech laws, depending on the context and statements made, it could also be seen as "agitation against an ethnic group." This legal ambiguity has sparked debate and controversy surrounding the issue of free speech versus ethnic hatred.
In October 2023, a Swedish court convicted another individual of inciting ethnic hatred for a similar act, marking the first conviction of its kind in Sweden related to the desecration of the Koran.
The investigation into Momika's death is ongoing, with authorities seeking further details about the circumstances and those involved.
Channelstv
