Who is Salwan Momika? Discover all the details about Salwan Momika, the Iraqi Christian who became famous for his involvement in the Koran burning incident in Sweden.
Who is Salwan Momika?
Salwan Momika is an Iraqi Christian who became famous for his involvement in the Koran burning incident in Sweden. He hails from the Al-Hamdaniya district, located east of Mosul, Iraq. Momika, who is 37 years old, became famous after she trampled and set fire to pages of the Islamic holy book in front of a large mosque in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. His actions sparked widespread protests and condemnation in Iraq and other parts of the world.
Salwan Momika, an Iraqi citizen, fled Iraq and sought refuge in Sweden several 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 hate figure among Muslim individuals. His actions, especially the Quran burning incident, caused deep offense and anger within the Muslim community.
It is also reported that Momika previously led the “Chaldean Eagles” militia in 2017, but left the country due to disputes with Ryan al-Kildani, the head of the “Babylon” political party. Recent events in Iraq have led to mass protests against Salwan Momika, an Iraqi Christian who burned the Koran and leads a militia in Nineveh. The incident, which took place in Sweden where Momika had sought refuge, sparked outrage among Iraqis, leading to calls for his repatriation and prosecution.
Salwan Momika Motive and statements
Salwan Momika revealed his plans for demonstrations on the first day of Eid in a video posted on social media. He intends to hold a protest in front of a large mosque in Stockholm, where he will burn the Koran. Momika invited his loved ones living in Stockholm to participate in the protests and offer their support both financially and emotionally.
Momika’s decision to burn the Koran stems from his belief in the importance of freedom of speech. He was quoted in reports as saying: “This is a democracy. It’s in danger if we’re told we can’t do it.” In her protest application, which was accessed and quoted by the international media, Momika explicitly expresses her desire to protest in front of a large mosque in Stockholm and express her opinion about the Qur’an by tearing it up and burning it.
Sweden is known for its lenient approach to protests and public expression of opinion. Accordingly, a court in Sweden on Wednesday approved Momika’s protests. However, it should be noted that the police refused to authorize the burning of the Koran in Stockholm, which raised concerns about possible riots or incitement.
Iraq’s reaction
Iraq witnessed continued popular protests this week condemning Salwan Momika’s desecration of the Quran. Momika, a 37-year-old Christian from Al-Hamdaniya district, stepped on and set fire to pages of Islam’s holy book outside a large mosque in the Swedish capital on June 30. The act is protected by free speech laws in Sweden, and led to widespread condemnation and demonstrations in Iraq.
Following the incident, Iraq formally requested Sweden to repatriate Salwan Momika to face prosecution under Iraqi criminal law. Legal experts have indicated that if tried in Iraq, Momika could face several years in prison. The Iraqi government considers his actions a serious offense against the religious sentiments of Muslims.
SalwanMomika’s Quran burning incident sparked widespread protests in Iraq, leading to calls for his repatriation and prosecution. This act deeply offended Muslims in Iraq and beyond, while Momiko’s background and possible connection with the militia further complicates the situation. The incident highlights the ongoing threat of extremism in the region, with the Iraqi government condemning Sweden’s decision to allow the protest. The consequences of these events also resulted in diplomatic tensions between Iraq and Sweden.
Momiko’s origin and possible connections with the militia
Salwan Momika, described by sources as an “opportunist”, previously headed the “Chaldean Eagles” militia in 2017. However, disputes with Ryan al-Kildani, the leader of the “Babylon” political party, led Momika to leave Iraq. It is worth noting that al-Kildani has been sanctioned by the US Treasury Department over allegations of illegal land confiscation in Nineveh. Momika’s recent act of burning the Qur’an appears to have been driven by a desire to attract public attention, even though he reportedly failed to win the support of his own Christian community in Iraq.
Allegations have emerged pointing to Salwan Momika’s involvement in the Iraqi People’s Mobilization Forces (PMF), an Iranian-backed paramilitary group. According to Entifadh Qanbar, President of the Future Foundation Washington DC, Momika identified himself as a member of an Iraqi Christian/Iranian proxy militia called “Katae’b Rooh Issa” or “Spirit of Jesus Brigade”, operating under the command of Katae’b Imam Ali. These claims further complicate the situation and raise concerns about potential links to armed groups in Iraq.
Threats and tensions
The incident of Momika’s burning of the Quran risks inflaming tensions and providing propaganda material for extremist groups looking to exploit the situation. While the Islamic State declared itself a caliphate in 2014, its territorial control in Iraq and Syria was finally 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 revealed his attempts to gain influence and support within the Nineveh communities, but he has repeatedly failed in his efforts. Momika’s shifting allegiances and failed attempts to link up with various political and armed groups, including the Sadist Movement and the Sinjar Protection Units, demonstrate a lack of clear principles and a history of opportunism.
In response to Sweden’s approval of a Koran-burning protest, Iraqi protesters stormed the Swedish embassy in Baghdad, demanding the extradition of Momika and the expulsion of the Swedish ambassador. Iraq’s foreign ministry condemned Sweden’s decision, calling it support for extremism and a provocative act that could inflame Muslim sentiments around the world. The ministry summoned the Swedish ambassador to express its strong protest over the incident.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education