Who Killed Salwan Momika? Sweden’s Investigation Continues

Stockholm, Sweden – Swedish prosecutors have ordered the release of five men who were arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Salwan Momika, an Iraqi man known for staging controversial Quran burnings.

Momika, whose public desecration of Islam’s holy book in 2023 sparked international outrage, was shot dead on Wednesday night in an apartment building in Södertälje, a town near Stockholm. Following the killing, Swedish authorities arrested five individuals on suspicion of murder.

However, prosecutor Rasmus Öman announced on Friday that the suspicions against the detained men had weakened, leading to their release. While the case remains under investigation, Öman stated that there is currently no legal basis to keep them in custody.

“The suspicions have not yet been dismissed completely, but at this point, I do not see a reason to keep them detained,” Öman said in a statement.

Momika gained global attention after staging multiple Quran burnings in Sweden throughout 2023. His actions, which were often filmed and widely shared online, led to diplomatic tensions between Sweden and several Muslim-majority nations. Protests erupted in various countries, and the incidents fueled anger among Muslim communities worldwide.

Swedish authorities have not yet disclosed any details regarding potential motives or suspects in Momika’s killing. The police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, and authorities are urging the public to come forward with any relevant information.

Sweden, which upholds strong free speech protections, faced significant pressure last year over its handling of Quran desecrations. The country’s leaders condemned the acts while maintaining that they were legally permitted under Swedish law.

As the investigation into Momika’s death continues, authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests or additional developments in the case.