The shooting of Salwan Momika has sparked a thorough investigation, with the police currently examining the circumstances surrounding his death. According to his lawyer, Anna Roth, Momika was aware of the threats against him and had expressed concerns about his safety. The police have detained five people in connection with the shooting, but have not confirmed the identity of the perpetrators or the motive behind the attack.
International Condemnation
The burning of the Quran by Momika and his associate, Najem, had previously sparked widespread condemnation and outrage in Muslim countries. The incident led to protests and attacks on the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, with the Iraqi government requesting Momika’s extradition. The Swedish government, while condemning the desecration of the Quran, emphasized the importance of upholding the country’s laws on freedom of expression and assembly.
The Swedish Migration Agency’s decision to revoke Momika’s residence permit in October 2023, citing false information in his original application, had been seen as a significant development in the case. However, the agency’s decision to grant him a temporary residence permit due to an “impediment to the execution” of a deportation to Iraq had allowed Momika to remain in the country.
Security Concerns
The Sweden Intelligence Agency had raised its terrorist alert level to four on a five-point scale in the summer of 2023, following the angry reactions to the Quran burnings. The agency had deemed Sweden a “priority target” due to the tensions and threats emanating from the incident. The shooting of Momika has further heightened security concerns, with the police and intelligence agencies working to determine the motives and implications of the attack.
Legal Proceedings
The Stockholm District Court had been scheduled to deliver a verdict in Momika’s trial for hate crimes on the day after his death. However, the court has now delayed the issuance of the sentence until February 3, citing the death of one of the defendants. The trial had been closely watched, given the sensitive nature of the charges and the international attention surrounding the case.