Thu Jan 30 10:39:21 UTC 2025: ## Iraqi Anti-Islam Activist Shot Dead in Sweden
**Stockholm, Sweden –** Salwan Momika, a 38-year-old Iraqi refugee and anti-Islam activist known for publicly burning the Quran, was shot dead in Sweden on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The shooting occurred hours before he was scheduled to receive a court verdict on charges of “offences of agitation against an ethnic or national group.” Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently in custody.
Momika’s actions in 2023, which involved burning copies of the Quran in public demonstrations, sparked widespread outrage among Muslims and increased security concerns in Sweden. The country raised its terrorism alert level in response to the threats that followed.
While Swedish authorities initially viewed Momika’s actions as protected free speech, the government condemned the Quran burnings. Furthermore, Swedish authorities previously attempted to deport Momika for providing false information on his residency application, but were prevented from doing so due to concerns about his safety in Iraq.
The other defendant in the trial with Momika posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) stating, “I’m next,” following the news of the shooting. Swedish police are leading the investigation, with the Security Service closely monitoring the situation for potential impacts on national security. Reports indicate Momika was live-streaming on TikTok at the time of the shooting.
The shooting has reignited debate surrounding freedom of speech and religious sensitivities in Sweden. The verdict in the trial against Momika and the other defendant has been postponed.
First Piper 