Man Who Burned Quran Shot Dead In Sweden

A man who burned the Quran and sparked violent protests has been shot dead in Sweden, local media reported. Salwan Momika, 38, was killed in an apartment in Södertälje, Stockholm, on Wednesday evening.

Stockholm police confirmed that a man in his 40s was shot overnight and that five people had been arrested in connection with the killing. “We are investigating the case and have taken several people into custody,” police said in a statement.

Quran Burning Led to Unrest

Mr. Momika, originally from Iraq, had made headlines in 2023 when he set fire to a copy of the Quran outside Stockholm Central Mosque. The act led to widespread protests in Muslim-majority countries.

The Swedish government had allowed the demonstration, citing free-speech laws. However, following the backlash, officials said they would explore ways to ban protests involving the burning of religious texts.

READ ALSO: WHO Declares Mpox Global Public Health Emergency As Sweden Confirms First Case

The incident also led to diplomatic tensions. Protesters stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad twice, and the Swedish ambassador was expelled.

Court Case Postponed After His Death

Mr. Momika was due to appear in court on Thursday, facing charges of “agitation against an ethnic group” over four incidents in 2023.

However, the Stockholm District Court announced that the verdict had been postponed. “It has been confirmed that one of the defendants has died,” the court said.

Livestreamed Moments Before Death

Local media reported that Mr. Momika had been livestreaming on social media around the time he was shot.

Authorities have not confirmed if his killing was linked to his past actions, but the case remains under investigation.