Quran-Burner Salwan Momika Shot Dead in Sweden

Late Wednesday night, Salwan Momika, an Iraqi exile who set up global indignation by burning the Quran in Sweden, was shot dead in Södertälje. Five suspects are in custody. The Prime Minister of Sweden suggests there may be foreign involvement in the murder.

Gunfire in Södertälje: Police Arrest Five Suspects

Following reports of a shooting, Stockholm police said that they were summoned to an apartment in the Hovsjö area of Södertälje at 23:11 local time (22:11 GMT). Arriving, they discovered a man with significant gunshot wounds. After being sent to a hospital, he passed away from his wounds.

Some Swedish media say the victim is Salwan Momika. However, authorities have not confirmed this. Authorities have arrested five people linked to the shooting.

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Swedish PM Suggests Foreign Involvement

At a news conference, Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said intelligence services are checking if foreign groups were involved in the murder. “I can assure you that security services are involved. There’s a risk of a link to a foreign power,” Kristersson told reporters. His comments have sparked rumors that connect Momika’s murder to his Quran-burning protests. These demonstrations received sharp criticism from mostly Muslim countries.

Momika’s Quran Burnings and Global Fallout

Salwan Momika caught attention in 2023 when he burned the Quran outside the Stockholm Central Mosque. His actions caused diplomatic crises. They sparked huge protests across the Muslim world and led to an attack on the Swedish embassy in Baghdad. Sweden promised to rethink laws on religiously provocative demonstrations. Meanwhile, the Iraqi government dismissed Sweden’s ambassador.

Momika was facing expulsion because of his acts, even though he was granted Asylum in Sweden. If he returned to Iraq, the Swedish Migration Agency would delay his deportation due to safety concerns. Momika stated he did not want to hurt Sweden. He also thanked the country for giving him shelter in an interview with Aftonbladet last year.

Murder Delays Court Verdict on Hate Speech Charges

Momika was on trial for “agitation against an ethnic group” for his Quran burning. A Stockholm court was set to decide on Thursday. However, it postponed the ruling after confirming a death. Salwan Najem, another demonstrator who took part in the events, is still under trial. Najem said on social media, “I’m next on the list,” following the news of Momika’s death.

Reports Suggest Shooting Was Livestreamed

Some Swedish media sources say Momika’s murder might have been shown live on social media. However, authorities have not confirmed this yet. A livestreamed murder raises further issues regarding the reasons behind the attack.

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Investigation Ongoing Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Swedish police are still investigating the murder. Intelligence services are helping to find out if any foreign forces were involved. Salwan Momika’s assassination has raised questions about Sweden’s free speech, religious sensitivity, and national security. The investigation is still happening. His Quran-burning protests have a lasting global impact.

As of June 3, 2025, there are no major updates on the investigation into Salwan Momika’s fatal shooting in Södertälje, Sweden. The five individuals initially arrested in connection with the incident were released shortly after, as the suspicions against them weakened. Swedish authorities are still investigating the case. They are also looking into the possibility of foreign involvement. No new arrests or developments have been reported since the initial investigation.