STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN: Salwan Momika, a 38-year-old Iraqi living in Sweden, was shot dead in an apartment in Södertälje, near Stockholm, on Wednesday evening, according to reports from multiple media AFP and BBC.

Momika gained worldwide attention in 2023 after burning copies of the Quran outside Stockholm’s Central Mosque, an act that led to protests and diplomatic tensions, especially in Muslim-majority countries.

According to Swedish police, a man in his 40-age was shot dead overnight, and five people have been arrested in connection with the case. While authorities have not officially named the victim, local media reported that it was Momika. Reports also suggestd he was livestreaming on social media at the time of the shooting.

Following his Quran-burning protest, violent demonstrations broke out in various places, including at the Swedish embassy in Baghdad. The unrest led to Iraq expelling Sweden’s ambassador.

Momika was facing legal charges in Sweden for the alleged agitation against an ethnic group on four separate occasions in 2023. His court verdict was expected on Thursday, but the Stockholm District Court postponed it after confirming his death.

Although Swedish authorities initially allowed Momika’s protest under free speech laws, the Swedn government later announced plans to explore legal ways to ban demonstrations involving the burning of religious texts.

Immigration Struggles Faced by Momika

Salwan Momika, an Iraqi refugee, faced major immigration struggles in Sweden. After protests sparked by his Quran-burning demonstrations, Sweden revoked his residency permit in October 2023, citing false claims in his asylum application.

Iraq requested his extradition, but Swedish authorities temporarily blocked his deportation. Momika then tried to seek asylum in Norway but was deported back to Sweden, where he received a one-year permit.

Sadly, Momika's struggles were cut short when he was assassinated on January 29, 2025, during a live TikTok broadcast. Swedish authorities are still investigating the motives behind his killing.