ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, expressed concern that the tragic shooting of Salwan Momika, an Iraqi refugee known for burning copies of the Holy Quran, might be connected to foreign influence. The murder took place just hours before a crucial court verdict was set to be delivered on Thursday, related to Momika’s public acts of desecration. In the wake of his death, Swedish police detained five people in connection with the shooting, though they did not confirm whether the shooter was among those arrested.
Momika, 38, had stirred significant controversy in 2023 by burning the Holy Quran, both in public protests and through social media broadcasts. His actions sparked outrage in many Muslim communities and led to growing tensions, both in Sweden and internationally.
At a press conference, Kristersson assured the public that Sweden’s security services were closely involved in the investigation. “There is obviously a risk that there is a connection to a foreign power,” he said, acknowledging the possibility of international involvement in the attack.
Vice Prime Minister Ebba Busch condemned the murder, calling it a direct threat to Sweden’s democratic values. “It is a threat to our free democracy. It must be met with the full force of our society,” she wrote on social media.
The shooting occurred just as a court was set to deliver its verdict in the trial of another individual involved in similar charges related to Holy Quran burnings. The court has now postponed the ruling until Monday due to the tragic events.
The Swedish government had raised its terrorism alert to the second-highest level in 2023, following a series of Quran burnings that sparked outrage in Muslim communities. Security concerns have grown, both at home and abroad, with threats being made against Sweden and its citizens.
Sweden’s Security Service is carefully monitoring the potential security impact of the shooting. While the government has publicly condemned the desecration of the Holy Quran, it has also emphasized that such acts fall within the boundaries of protected free speech under Swedish law.
The situation has drawn significant international attention, with figures like Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei publicly denouncing those who desecrate the Quran and calling for severe punishment. Sweden, meanwhile, has been balancing its commitment to free expression with the need to address the growing tensions.
In 2023, Sweden’s migration agency sought to deport Momika due to false information in his residency application. However, the deportation was halted, as it was determined that sending him back to Iraq would likely result in torture or inhumane treatment. The complexity of Momika’s case, and his subsequent murder, highlights the broader issues of free speech, security, and the challenges Sweden faces in maintaining its values amidst growing international pressure.
This tragic event is more than just an isolated killing—it reflects the deeper struggles at the intersection of freedom, religion, and global diplomacy.
