Man who carried out Quran burnings in Sweden shot dead
What's the story
Salwan Momika, the Iraqi man who became internationally infamous for burning multiple copies of the Quran in Sweden in 2023, has been confirmed dead by a Stockholm court.
The 38-year-old was allegedly shot dead in a shooting incident in Sodertalje, a city near Stockholm, the Associated Press reported.
Videos of his Quran burnings had received worldwide attention and sparked outrage and criticism in various Muslim countries, resulting in riots in several areas.
Freedom of speech
Swedish authorities allowed his demonstrations
His protests were permitted by Swedish authorities on the grounds of free speech, but his actions alarmed security and government officials who said they might turn Sweden into a target for Islamic extremists.
Momika earlier stated that he did not wish to endanger Sweden and was simply expressing his right to criticize Islam under freedom of speech.
Trial delay
Momika's death postpones trial verdict
At the time of his death, Momika was being investigated by Swedish authorities for incitement against ethnic groups.
The Stockholm District Court had to postpone a verdict in a trial where he was a defendant after his demise.
Police responded to a shooting Wednesday night in Sodertalje, near Stockholm, and discovered a male with gunshot wounds.
Swedish broadcaster SVT reported that the shooting victim was indeed Momika, although they did not reveal their sources.
Residence
Momika wasgranted a residence permit in 2021
Momika's residency permit was revoked by Sweden in October of last year, but his deportation was postponed due to dangers to his life in Iraq.
Sweden's Migration Agency made the judgment after determining that Momika presented incorrect information in his asylum application, according to Swedish network TV4.
Momika had received a residency permit in 2021.