Sweden’s prime minister has suggested that a foreign power may have played a role in the fatal shooting of an anti-Islam campaigner, which occurred just hours before a court was set to deliver its verdict on his Qur’an-burning case.
Authorities have arrested five individuals in connection with the killing of 38-year-old Salwan Momika, who was shot late Wednesday inside a house in Södertälje, a town near Stockholm. Officials have not confirmed whether the shooter is among those detained.
Momika, an Iraqi refugee with a controversial past, sparked outrage both in Sweden and internationally by publicly burning copies of the Qur’an in a series of demonstrations.
Following his death, a Stockholm court dismissed the charges against him. The verdict for another man involved in the same trial, accused of “offences of agitation against an ethnic or national group,” has been postponed until Monday.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson told reporters that authorities were concerned about potential foreign involvement in the killing. “I can assure you that the security services are deeply engaged because there is clearly a risk that this incident is connected to a foreign power,” he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch also condemned the murder, calling it “a threat to our free democracy.” She emphasized that Sweden must respond decisively, stating, “It must be met with the full force of our society” in a post on X.
Sweden’s security service has said that while police are leading the investigation, they are closely monitoring developments to assess any potential implications for national security.
Last year, the agency reported that the Iranian government had been utilizing criminal networks within Sweden to carry out violent acts targeting states, groups, and individuals.
According to Swedish media, Momika was livestreaming on TikTok at the time of the attack. A video reviewed by Reuters showed police picking up a phone and ending a live broadcast that appeared to be from his account.
In 2023, Sweden heightened its terrorism alert to the second-highest level, warning of increased threats against Swedish citizens at home and abroad. The move followed multiple Qur’an burnings—many carried out by Momika—which provoked anger among Muslims and drew threats from jihadist groups.
Riots After Sweden Quran Burnings
During one such incident in June 2023, Momika stomped on the Islamic holy book, wrapped it in bacon, set fire to a few pages, then slammed it shut and kicked it like a football.
His actions led to violent reactions overseas. In July 2023, Iraqi protesters stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad on two separate occasions, setting fires inside the compound during the second attack.
Although the Swedish government condemned the Qur’an burnings, they were initially considered protected under free speech laws.
The protests, carried out by Momika and others, also complicated Sweden’s NATO accession process. In January 2023, Turkey suspended negotiations on Sweden’s NATO bid after Swedish-Danish activist Rasmus Paludan—previously convicted of racist abuse—burned a Qur’an outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm.
Sweden eventually secured NATO membership in March 2024, nearly a year after Finland, despite both Nordic countries having applied at the same time.
In an April 2023 interview with the newspaper Aftonbladet, Momika insisted he had no intention of causing trouble for Sweden. “I don’t want to harm this country that received me and preserved my dignity,” he said.
Nevertheless, his protests created significant challenges for the Swedish government.
While Momika was provided with police protection during his demonstrations and court appearances, his lawyer, Anna Roth, told Swedish news agency TT that she was unaware of him having any protection at home. “He was well aware of the serious threats against him. There was a price on his head,” Roth said.
In March 2024, Momika left Sweden and sought asylum in Norway, later telling Agence France-Presse that Sweden’s commitment to freedom of expression and human rights was “a big lie.” However, Norway deported him back to Sweden just weeks later.
Sweden’s migration agency sought to deport Momika for allegedly providing false information on his residency application. However, officials could not proceed, as he was deemed at risk of torture and inhumane treatment if returned to Iraq.
