The report

Salwan Momika, an Iraqi immigrant to Sweden who became a controversial figure for his public burnings of the Quran, was shot dead in his apartment in Södertälje on January 29, 2025. His death, which occurred during a live broadcast on TikTok, has ignited a complex web of reactions, raising questions about free speech, religious sensitivities, and the security of individuals who become targets of international outrage.

Momika’s Background: From Militia Leader to Refugee

Momika’s life was marked by significant transformations. Born into a Christian family in Iraq on June 23, 1986, he later became involved in Iraqi politics. He was reportedly a member of the Syriac Democratic Party, which was part of the Iranian-backed Shia militia group, the Popular Mobilization Forces, that fought against ISIS. Some reports indicate he led a Christian militia within this group, called the Brigades of Imam Ali. He is also said to have expressed support for the Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. In his online profiles, Momika described himself as an “atheist and enlightened politician, thinker and author”.

Momika arrived in Sweden in April 2018 and was granted refugee status in 2021. His residency permit was set to expire in April 2024. However, this status was not stable. In October 2023, the Swedish Migration Agency revoked his residency permit, citing false information in his original application. He was ordered to be deported. He appealed, but the decision was upheld in February 2024. This ruling was not implemented due to the danger he faced in Iraq, and he was granted a new temporary residency permit valid until April 16, 2024. He then briefly sought asylum in Norway, where he was arrested and deported back to Sweden in April 2024. Momika was granted a one-year residence permit in May 2024 because of the risk of torture in Iraq. According to the Swedish Migration Agency, Momika faced a risk of “torture and inhumane treatment” if returned to Iraq.

The Koran Burnings and Their Aftermath

Momika rose to notoriety in 2023 when he began staging public burnings of the Quran. These acts, often carried out with his associate Salwan Najem, involved not only burning the holy book but also desecrating it by wrapping it in pork and kicking it. These provocations sparked outrage and condemnation across the Muslim world. Protests erupted in several countries, including attacks on the Swedish embassy in Baghdad. The Swedish government condemned the actions but stressed the country’s laws regarding freedom of speech and assembly. The events had a negative impact on Sweden’s international relations.

Reactions in Sweden: Momika’s actions created a diplomatic crisis and a heightened terror alert in Sweden. The Swedish government launched an inquiry into stopping Quran burnings on security grounds. The events also generated public debate about the limits of free speech and its implications in a multicultural society.
International Condemnation: Momika’s Quran burnings led to widespread anger in the Muslim world, with some leaders threatening to block Sweden’s bid to join NATO. A city in Iraq even offered a reward of two million dollars and a Quran made of two kilograms of gold for anyone who killed him.

Legal Battles and a Postponed Verdict

Momika and Najem were charged with “agitation against an ethnic or national group,” which is referred to as hets mot folkgrupp in Swedish, for their actions. The trial took place in January 2025, and the verdict was scheduled for January 30. However, Momika’s murder the night before led to the dismissal of charges against him and the postponement of the verdict for Najem. Najem was later convicted of hate speech for his role in the Quran burnings. The court determined that their actions went beyond “objective debate and criticism” of religion. Najem’s lawyer argued that his client’s statements were within the bounds of free speech, but the court disagreed.

Momika’s Death and Its Aftermath

Momika was shot dead in his apartment while broadcasting live on TikTok. The shooting occurred around 11:30 pm on January 29, 2025. Witnesses to the livestream reported hearing multiple gunshots, and the video captured police entering the apartment before the stream was cut off. The police found Momika lifeless at the scene, and he died later in hospital.

The Investigation: In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, five men were arrested as suspects. Initial reports suggested that some of the suspects lived near Momika’s residence and had prior convictions for weapons and protection offenses. However, the charges against all five were dropped due to weakened evidence. The investigation continues, and authorities are exploring the possibility that a foreign power might be involved.

Possible Motives: Several theories have emerged regarding the motive behind the killing. Some suggest it could be an act of revenge for his desecration of the Quran. Others speculate that foreign powers or terrorist groups might have been involved due to the international outrage Momika’s actions caused. The possibility of a connection to domestic criminal organizations also exists. One of the theories being considered is that Momika may have inadvertently revealed his location through his TikTok videos.

Security Concerns: It is unclear whether Momika had personal security at the time of his death. His lawyer stated that he had security during the trial and when he appeared at public gatherings. However, other reports suggest that he did not have police protection. The Swedish police and the national police chief have declined to comment on specific details of security arrangements. The question of how his killer knew his location, is also an important aspect of the investigation. Reports suggest that Momika was living at a secret address provided by police.

The Broader Implications

The death of Salwan Momika raises serious questions about freedom of expression, religious tolerance, and the safety of individuals who become the targets of global outrage. His case highlights:

The Complexities of Free Speech: Momika’s actions pushed the boundaries of free speech, sparking debate about the limits of expression when it conflicts with religious sensitivities.
The Perils of Provocation: Momika’s actions, though protected by law in Sweden, made him a target for violence and exposed him to a very real and credible threat to his life.

The Role of Social Media: Social media played a significant role in amplifying Momika’s message and documenting his death. It is also being investigated as a possible source of information for his murderers.
The Impact on International Relations: Momika’s actions caused diplomatic tensions and underscored the challenge of balancing domestic legal protections with the need to respect religious and cultural sensitivities internationally.

Security Concerns in Sweden: The events raised concerns about the security of individuals in Sweden and the government’s ability to protect them.

Salwan Momika’s life was a mix of political activism, religious provocation, and personal danger. His actions and his death have become a flashpoint in a debate about freedom of speech, religious tolerance and the limits of both. His case will continue to be a source of discussion and analysis in the months and years to come.