Salwan Momika, a former militia leader in Iraq turned vocal critic of Islam, was reported to have been found dead in Norway on Tuesday.
Momika gained global attention for his fervent advocacy of free speech and public demonstrations against Islam, including the burning of the Quran.
“Those who announced Momika’s death with over 1 million impressions deleted the tweet. We are waiting for further confirmation,” Radio Genoa posted on X shortly after it announced his death.
Earlier it said: “The lifeless body of Iraqi refugee and Islamic critic Salwan Sabah Matti Momika has been found in Norway. Momika was known for organizing demonstrations in Sweden where he publicly burned the Koran several times.”
Controversial Actions
In June 2023, Momika shocked the world by stomping on and burning a copy of the Quran in front of Stockholm’s largest mosque, an act that was filmed by a friend.
His provocative actions sparked outrage and led to clashes in Malmo, Sweden.
Relocation to Norway
Having recently moved to Norway from Sweden, Momika sought asylum and international protection, citing persecution by Swedish authorities due to his anti-Islam stance.
Despite being granted a residency permit in Sweden in 2021, Momika faced mounting pressure and legal challenges.
“Today I left Sweden and am now in Norway under the protection of the Norwegian authorities,” Salwan Momika posted on March 27.
“I applied for asylum and international protection in Norway because Sweden does not accept asylum for philosophers and thinkers, but only accepts asylum for terrorists. My love and respect for the Swedish people will remain the same, but the persecution I was subjected to by the Swedish authorities does not represent the Swedes,” he added in the post.
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Political Backlash
Momika’s actions drew criticism from Islamic countries and stirred debate within Sweden about the limits of free speech.
Swedish authorities ultimately revoked his residency permit after discovering false information in his asylum application.
Military Background
Born into a Christian family in Tal Afar, Iraq, Momika previously served as a militia leader within the Imam Ali Brigades, a group accused of war crimes.
He later fled Iraq in 2018 following a power struggle with another militia leader.
“I will continue my struggle against Islamic ideology. Since I started the struggle against Islam, I have paid and continue to pay the price, and I am ready for that, whatever the cost,” Salwan Momika said in the March 27 update, stressing his resolve.
