Man Behind Quran Burning Protests Shot Dead in Sweden

Salwan Momika, the 38-year-old Iraqi man who sparked global outrage by burning the Quran in Sweden, has been shot dead in an apartment in Södertälje, Stockholm.

Swedish police confirmed that a man in his 40s was fatally shot on Wednesday night, leading to the arrest of five individuals. Local reports indicate that Momika was livestreaming on social media around the time of the attack.

Momika gained international attention in 2023 after setting fire to a copy of Islam’s holy book outside Stockholm Central Mosque, triggering protests in several Muslim-majority nations. His actions led to diplomatic tensions, including the expulsion of Sweden’s ambassador from Baghdad and unrest at the Swedish embassy in Iraq.

In August, Swedish authorities charged Momika with “agitation against an ethnic group” for multiple incidents of Quran burning. His trial verdict, originally set for Thursday, was postponed following confirmation of his death.

Despite widespread condemnation, the Swedish government had allowed Momika’s protests under free-speech laws but later vowed to explore legal measures to restrict such demonstrations in the future.

Investigations into his killing are ongoing.