Salwan Momika, the Iraqi man whose burning of the Quran sparked widespread unrest, was murdered on January 29, 2025, at his residence in Stockholm, Sweden. His actions, which ignited violent protests during the previous year, led to deteriorated relations between Sweden and several Middle Eastern countries.
Momika, aged 38, had been living under significant threat since igniting outrage by setting fire to Islam's holy text outside the Stockholm Central Mosque. His protest attracted global media attention, including steady criticism from Turkish publications following his actions. The Turkish pro-government media, such as Yeni Şafak and Takvim, published incendiary headlines celebrating his death, confirming the volatile nature of the reactions surrounding Momika.
Upon hearing the news of his death, the Turkish tabloid Takvim proclaimed, “Burn in Hell, Momika,” alongside graphics depicting violence, reflecting the dark sentiments prevalent among certain factions responding to his controversial protests.
Only days prior to his murder, Momika was scheduled to attend the Stockholm District Court, where he faced charges of 'agitation against an ethnic or national group' due to his public Quran burnings. His court hearing would decide the fate of his co-defendant, Salwan Najem, since the case against Momika was dismissed posthumously, raising questions about freedom of expression and the protection of dissenters.
On the same evening of his death, police discovered him critically injured inside his apartment and swiftly pursued five individuals tied to the shooting. The motive for the attack remains unclear, prompting speculation about connections to foreign powers, particularly considering the responses from governmental figures. Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the serious nature of the investigation, stating, “I can assure you the security services are deeply involved because there is obviously a risk of connection to foreign power,” indicating the potential international ramifications of Momika's untimely death.
While Swedish media has illustrated the violent aftermath of Momika's Quran burnings, tensions were also evident as images of jubilant social media responses emerged following the news of his assassination. Pro-government Turkish social media accounts directly linked Momika's murder to his actions, with figures like Zeki Bahçe celebrating the shooting, which indicates the significant animosity directed against him.
Police reports revealed conflicting narratives, with some circulating misinformation, including claims surrounding Momika live-streaming his murder on TikTok. Nevertheless, the event raised legitimate concerns about the safety measures around public figures facing severe threats. Despite receiving police protection during court appearances and protests, reports suggest Momika had no such safeguards at home, leading to intense scrutiny over Sweden's ability to protect those who engage controversially with religious topics.
Momika’s case drew international ire, particularly from Iraq, where protests against Sweden’s diplomatic actions occurred after his Quran desecration. Demonstrations at the Swedish Embassy included aggressive displays of anger with some protesters setting fires within the embassy compound, underscoring how deeply his actions cut across diplomatic ties.
Initially granted refugee status after fleeing Iraq, Momika faced allegations of deception during his immigration process which threatened his asylum status. His subsequent attempts to seek asylum outside Sweden faced setbacks, highlighting the precarious nature of his life as he attempted to navigate the challenging circumstances surrounding his identity and beliefs.
Through the fallout from his murder, the central themes of free expression, international relations, and security are being recalibrated. Legal experts like Mårten Schultz articulated the potential ramifications of the killing, asserting, “If it turns out there is such connection, it affects the image of Sweden... it would mean Sweden can be seen as unsafe for people exercising their freedom and rights.”
The events surrounding Salwan Momika will likely provoke continuing debates about the limits of free speech and the responsibilities of governments to protect those who exercise it, especially when dissent encompasses provocative religious commentary.