In a tragic turn of events, Salwan Momika, an Iraqi refugee who became widely known for his provocative Quran-burning demonstrations in Sweden, was shot dead in Stockholm on January 29, 2025. His actions had ignited international debates on freedom of expression, religious respect, and the boundaries of protest.
Born on June 23, 1986, in Qaraqosh, a town in Iraq’s Nineveh province, Salwan Momika was raised in an Assyrian Catholic family. During the sectarian violence between 2006 and 2008, he joined the Assyrian Patriotic Party, serving as a security guard at their Mosul headquarters. In 2012, following a fatal car accident for which he was held responsible and sentenced to prison, Momika fled Iraq. After the fall of Mosul to ISIS in 2014, he joined the Popular Mobilization Forces, aligning with the Christian unit known as the “Spirit of God Jesus Son of Mary Battalions.” However, internal conflicts within these groups led him to seek asylum in Sweden in 2018.
The Quran-Burning Protests by Salwan Momika
In June 2023, Momika organized a demonstration outside Stockholm’s central mosque during Eid al-Adha, where he desecrated the Quran by tearing its pages, placing bacon on it, and setting it on fire. This act was intended, according to Momika, to highlight what he perceived as the dangers posed by the Quran to democracy and human rights.
These actions were met with widespread condemnation. The Swedish government’s decision to permit the demonstration, citing freedom of expression, led to diplomatic tensions, particularly with Muslim-majority countries. Iraq expelled the Swedish ambassador and revoked the license of the telecom company Ericsson to operate within its borders.
Following his initial protest, Momika, alongside fellow activist Salwan Najem, conducted several similar demonstrations, including one outside the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm. These acts led to charges of “agitation against an ethnic or national group” being filed against them in August 2024. The trial was set to conclude on the morning after Momika’s death, with prosecutors alleging that the men intended to show contempt for Muslims through their actions.
Despite the legal challenges and numerous death threats, Momika remained defiant. He expressed a desire to alert Swedish society to what he believed were the dangers associated with the Quran. His protests were often live-streamed on social media, where he faced both support and vehement opposition.
Death of Salwan Momika
On the evening of January 29, 2025, Salwan Momika was found shot dead in his Stockholm apartment. Swedish authorities arrested five individuals in connection with the murder. The motive behind the killing remains under investigation, but many speculate it is linked to his controversial activism.
Momika’s lawyer, Anna Roth, noted that while he had police protection during public demonstrations and court appearances, he was not under protection at his residence. She emphasized that Momika was acutely aware of the threats against him, stating, “He was well aware that there was an extensive threat to him. There was a price on his head.”
Salwan Momika’s actions have left a lasting impact on discussions surrounding freedom of expression and religious tolerance. Supporters viewed him as a staunch advocate for free speech, challenging religious doctrines he deemed harmful. Critics, however, saw his actions as deeply offensive and inflammatory, inciting hatred and division.
His protests not only strained Sweden’s diplomatic relations but also sparked debates within the country about the limits of free speech and the responsibilities that come with it. The Swedish government condemned the desecration of religious texts while upholding the nation’s constitutional protections for freedom of speech and assembly.
The life and death of Salwan Momika underscore the complex interplay between freedom of expression and respect for religious beliefs. His provocative actions challenged societal norms and legal boundaries, prompting both national and international discourse. As Sweden and the global community reflect on his legacy, the debates he ignited continue to resonate, highlighting the delicate balance between individual rights and collective respect in diverse societies.
