Man shot dead in Sweden ahead of court verdict over Holy Quran burning

An Iraqi refugee and anti-Islam campaigner was shot dead in Sweden hours before a court was set to deliver a verdict in his trial over burning the Holy Quran, authorities said Thursday.

Swedish police arrested five people in connection with the late-night shooting in Sodertalje, a town near Stockholm. Officials did not confirm whether the shooter was among those detained.

Public broadcaster SVT identified the victim as Salwan Momika, 38, citing police sources. He had gained notoriety for publicly burning copies of the Holy Quran in 2023, sparking international condemnation and threats against Sweden.

A Stockholm court was set to sentence Momika and another man on Thursday in a case related to "offenses of agitation against an ethnic or national group". However, officials postponed the verdict.

A police spokesperson confirmed a man had been shot dead but did not provide further details.

The other defendant in the trial posted on X, formerly Twitter, saying, "I'm next."

Sweden’s Security Service said police were leading the investigation but were closely monitoring developments for any potential security impact.

Swedish media reported that Momika was livestreaming on TikTok when he was shot. A video reviewed by Reuters showed officers picking up a phone and ending a livestream believed to be from his account.

Sweden raised its terrorism alert in 2023, citing threats linked to a series of Holy Quran burnings—many carried out by Momika. The incidents triggered outrage in the Muslim world and led to threats from jihadist groups.

While Sweden’s government condemned the burnings, officials initially considered them a form of free speech protected by law.

The country’s migration agency attempted to deport Momika in 2023, accusing him of providing false information on his residency application. However, the effort stalled over concerns that he could face torture or inhumane treatment if sent back to Iraq.

The Holy Quran is considered the literal word of God, and its desecration is widely viewed as blasphemous by Muslims.