Who is Salwan Momika? A Firing Topic on International Media
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jul 06, 2023
Who is Salwan Momika?
Salwan Momika is an Iraqi Christian man who gained notoriety for his involvement in a Quran-burning incident in Sweden. He hails from the Al-Hamdaniya District, located east of Mosul in Iraq. Momika, who is 37 years old, came to prominence after stomping on and setting fire to pages of the Islamic holy book in front of a major mosque in Stockholm, Sweden's capital. His actions sparked widespread protests and condemnation in Iraq and other parts of the world.
Salwan Momika, an Iraqi national, fled Iraq and sought refuge in Sweden a few years ago. He settled in the municipality of Järna in Södertälje, which is located in Stockholm County. Salwan Momika has recently gained attention and notoriety, but unfortunately, he has become a figure of hatred among Muslim individuals. His actions, particularly the Quran burning incident, have caused deep offense and anger within the Muslim community.
Momika is also reported to have previously led the "Chaldean Eagles" militia in 2017, but left the country due to disputes with Ryan al-Kildani, the leader of the "Babylon" political party. Recent events in Iraq have seen widespread protests against Salwan Momika, an Iraqi Christian man who burned the Quran and heads a militia in Nineveh. The incident, which took place in Sweden where Momika sought refuge, has sparked outrage among Iraqis, leading to calls for his repatriation and prosecution.
Salwan Momika Motive and Statements
Salwan Momika, in a video posted on social media, has revealed his plans for a demonstration on the first day of Eid. He intends to carry out the protest in front of a major mosque in Stockholm, where he will burn the Quran. Momika has urged his loved ones residing in Stockholm to participate in the demonstration and offer their support both financially and emotionally.
Momika's decision to burn the Quran stems from his belief in the importance of freedom of speech. He has been quoted in reports stating, "This is democracy. It is in danger if they tell us we can't do this." In his application for the protest, which has been accessed and quoted by international media, Momika explicitly expresses his desire to protest in front of the large mosque in Stockholm and voice his opinions about the Quran by tearing it up and setting it on fire.
Sweden is known for its lenient approach towards protests and public expressions of opinion. Accordingly, a court in Sweden granted permission for Momika's demonstration on Wednesday. However, it should be noted that the police refused to authorize the burning of the Quran in Stockholm, raising concerns about potential unrest or inflammatory actions.
Reaction of Iraq
Iraq witnessed continued popular protests this week denouncing Salwan Momika's desecration of the Quran. Momika, a 37-year-old Christian man from Al-Hamdaniya District, stomped on and set fire to pages of the Islamic holy book in front of a major mosque in Sweden's capital on June 30. The act, protected under free-speech laws in Sweden, led to widespread condemnation and demonstrations in Iraq.
Following the incident, Iraq officially requested Sweden to repatriate Salwan Momika to face prosecution under the Iraqi penal code. Legal experts have indicated that if tried in Iraq, Momika could face several years of imprisonment. The Iraqi government considers his actions a grave offense against the religious sentiments of Muslims.
The Quran burning incident by SalwanMomika has ignited widespread protests in Iraq, leading to calls for his repatriation and prosecution. The act has deeply offended Muslims in Iraq and beyond, while Momika's background and possible militia affiliations add complexity to the situation. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of extremism in the region, with Iraq's government condemning Sweden's decision to permit the protest. The fallout from these events has also resulted in diplomatic tensions between Iraq and Sweden.
Momika's Background and Possible Militia Affiliations
Salwan Momika, described by sources as an "opportunist," previously headed the "Chaldean Eagles" militia in 2017. However, disputes with Ryan al-Kildani, leader of the "Babylon" political party, led Momika to leave Iraq. It is worth noting that al-Kildani was sanctioned by the US Treasury Department for illegal land confiscation charges in Nineveh. Momika's recent act of burning the Quran appears to be driven by a desire for public attention, although he has reportedly failed to garner support from his own Christian community in Iraq.
Claims have emerged suggesting Salwan Momika's involvement with Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a paramilitary group backed by Iran. According to Entifadh Qanbar, President of the Future Foundation Washington DC, Momika identified himself as a member of the Iraqi Christian/Iranian proxy militia called "Katae'b Rooh Issa" or "The Spirit of Jesus Brigades," operating under the command of Katae'b Imam Ali. These allegations further complicate the situation and raise concerns about potential connections to armed groups in Iraq.
Threatens and Tensions
The Quran burning incident by Momika risks inflaming tensions and providing propaganda material for extremist groups seeking to exploit the situation. While the Islamic State declared itself a caliphate in 2014, its territorial control in Iraq and Syria was ultimately defeated by 2019. However, sleeper cells of the extremist group still pose a threat and carry out sporadic attacks in both countries.
Sources close to Salwan Momika have revealed his attempts to gain influence and support within Nineveh's communities, but he has repeatedly failed in his endeavors. Momika's shifting allegiances and failed attempts to align with different political and armed groups, including the Sadrist Movement and the Sinjar Protection Units, demonstrate a lack of clear principles and a history of opportunism.
In response to Sweden granting permission for the Quran burning protest, Iraqi protesters breached Sweden's embassy in Baghdad, demanding the extradition of Momika and the expulsion of the Swedish ambassador. The Iraqi foreign ministry condemned Sweden's decision, viewing it as an endorsement of extremism and a provocative act that could incite Muslim sentiments worldwide. The ministry summoned the Swedish ambassador to express its strong protest against the incident.
Who is Salwan Momika - FAQs
Salwan Momika is an Iraqi Christian man who gained notoriety for his involvement in a Quran burning incident in Sweden. He fled Iraq and sought refuge in Sweden a few years ago.
Salwan Momika stomped on and set fire to pages of the Islamic holy book, the Quran, in front of a major mosque in Stockholm, Sweden. His actions caused widespread condemnation and protests in Iraq and beyond.
Salwan Momika burned the Quran as a demonstration of what he believed to be his right to freedom of speech. He wanted to highlight what he perceived as a threat to democracy if individuals were prohibited from such acts.
Salwan Momika was reportedly associated with the "Chaldean Eagles" militia in Iraq in 2017. There have also been claims suggesting his involvement with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a paramilitary group backed by Iran.
Salwan Momika's actions have sparked outrage and protests in Iraq, with calls for his repatriation and prosecution under Iraqi law. Iraq's government officially requested Sweden to extradite him. The incident has also led to diplomatic tensions between Iraq and Sweden, with the Iraqi foreign ministry strongly protesting Sweden's decision to permit the Quran-burning protest.