Salwan Momika, an Iraqi refugee, was shot dead in Sweden after gaining international attention for his controversial Quran burnings. In June 2023, he sparked outrage by stomping on the Quran, wrapping it in bacon, and setting it on fire during protests.
Momika held multiple demonstrations, including one outside the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm. His actions led to diplomatic tensions, prompting Iraq to expel Sweden’s ambassador and revoke the operating license of Swedish telecom company Ericsson.
Despite facing backlash from counter-protesters, Momika remained defiant during his protests. He claimed his goal was to warn Swedish society about “the danger of this book.” Before moving to Sweden in 2018, he had a tumultuous political history in Iraq, including ties to a Christian armed group and participation in anti-corruption protests.
His protests drew global condemnation and created diplomatic challenges for Sweden. Iraqi protesters even stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad twice in July 2023.
In August 2024, Momika faced charges for “agitation against an ethnic group,” but these were dropped after his death. He had received numerous death threats and had police protection during his protests but reportedly lacked protection at home.
After a brief attempt to seek asylum in Norway, which resulted in his deportation back to Sweden, Momika expressed aspirations to enter politics as a representative for the Sweden Democrats, an anti-immigration party. However, the party distanced itself from his actions.
For more Trending News Click Here
