29 March 2024
Salwan Momika, a 37-year-old Christian Iraqi, has left Sweden for Norway after the Swedish government revoked his residency permit. Momika’s actions, including burning the Quran, have sparked international outrage and raised questions about the boundaries of freedom of speech. Speaking to AFP news agency, Momika expressed his reasons for leaving Sweden, citing persecution by government institutions. He asserted, “Sweden doesn’t respect me,” and emphasized his intention to seek asylum in Norway, a country he believes will welcome and respect him.
Momika received widespread condemnation and protests in several Muslim-majority nations for burning and desecrating the Islamic holy book. Videos of his provocative acts circulated online, inciting anger and criticism, and even resulting in diplomatic tensions such as the cancelation of a Swedish defense minister’s visit to Türkiye amid talks on Sweden’s potential accession to NATO.
Despite Sweden’s condemnation of the Quran burnings, the country’s laws protecting freedom of speech and assembly have complicated the situation. In October, Swedish migration authorities revoked Momika’s residency permit, citing incorrect information provided on his application and signaling his deportation to Iraq. However, concerns for Momika’s safety in Iraq have delayed his deportation.
