From Iraq to Europe: A Complicated Journey
Salwan Momika was born in Iraq, a country with a history of war and conflict. In 2017, he left his home with a Schengen visa and traveled to Germany. His beliefs changed after moving, and he decided to stop following Christianity, becoming an atheist instead.
In April 2018, he moved to Sweden, a country known for its strong support of free speech and human rights. However, Swedish officials found out that he had links to a militant group called the Imam Ali Brigades. Because of this, they denied him permanent residency. Still, they gave him a temporary residence permit, which was valid until April 2024.
Burning the Quran: A Bold Act with Big Reactions
Salwan Momika:- In 2023, Momika became famous for setting fire to the Quran, the holy book of Islam, in public. He did this several times, and each time, he planned it carefully. The Swedish police allowed these events, as free speech laws protected him.
His actions caused outrage across the world. Many countries protested, and Sweden faced serious diplomatic problems. People called for his arrest, but Swedish laws protected him. However, Swedish officials later ordered him to be deported. The problem was that Iraq, his home country, was unsafe, so he was stuck in Sweden with nowhere to go.
A Risky Move: Running to Norway
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As things got harder in Sweden, Momika tried to escape. In March 2024, he entered Norway, hoping for asylum. But Norway refused his request. On March 28, they arrested him under a law called the Dublin Regulation, which says asylum seekers must apply in the first European country they arrive in.
Norway quickly sent him back to Sweden on April 11. His plan had failed, and now he was stuck in Sweden, a country that didn’t want him but couldn’t send him anywhere else.
A Mysterious Death
In January 2025, shocking news broke—Momika had died in Sweden. The details were unclear. Some reports said he had been shot, but others gave no explanation. Rumors spread, but no one knew the full truth.
His death ended his controversial story, but his actions left a lasting impact. Some saw him as a fighter for free speech, while others thought he was trying to spread hate. Either way, he made people around the world think about the balance between freedom and respect for religion.
A Legacy That Lives On
Salwan Momika’s story is more than just one man’s journey. It raises big questions: How far should free speech go? When does it become hate? Can Western countries truly accept people who do not share their values?
Even after his death, his name remains a part of history. He tested the limits of democracy and free speech, leaving a debate that will not fade away anytime soon.
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