History of Salwan Momika in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: January 31, 2025

Salwan Sabah Matthew Momika, an Iraqi refugee residing in Sweden, gained notoriety for his public desecration and burning of the Quran. Formerly a member of the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), Momika became an atheist and anti-Islam activist after seeking refuge in Sweden. His provocative demonstrations, often broadcast live on platforms like TikTok, sparked controversy and condemnation. On January 29, 2025, Momika was assassinated during one such live broadcast.

June 1986: Birth of Salwan Momika

Salwan Momika was born in June 1986.

2012: Conviction and Flight from Iraq

In 2012, Momika fled Iraq after being convicted of causing a wrongful death in a car accident and sentenced to three years imprisonment.

June 2014: Joining the Popular Mobilization Forces

Following the fall of Mosul to ISIS in June 2014, Momika joined the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) to fight against ISIS.

2014: Founding of Militias

In 2014, Momika founded the 'Syriac Democratic Union' and the 'Falcons of the Syriac Forces', armed militias affiliated with the Christian militia Babylon Brigade.

2017: Power Struggle and Flight from Iraq

In 2017, Momika lost a power struggle within the Babylon Movement and fled Iraq.

2017: Flight to Germany and Apostasy

Momika fled to Germany in 2017, where he publicly announced his atheism and apostasy from Christianity.

April 2018: Asylum Application in Sweden

In April 2018, Momika applied for asylum in Sweden.

April 2021: Temporary Residence Permit in Sweden

Momika was granted a three-year temporary residence permit in Sweden in April 2021.

2023: Expulsion Order and Renewed Temporary Permit

In 2023, Swedish authorities ordered Momika's expulsion but granted him a new temporary residence permit until April 2024 due to threats against him in Iraq.

2023: Anti-Islam Demonstrations and Quran Desecrations

Throughout 2023, Momika organized and carried out several public demonstrations in Sweden where he desecrated and burned the Quran, sparking controversy and international attention.

March 2024: Asylum Attempt in Norway and Deportation Back to Sweden

In March 2024, Momika attempted to seek asylum in Norway but was arrested and deported back to Sweden under the Dublin Regulation.

April 2024: Second Temporary Residence Permit in Sweden

In 2023, Swedish authorities ordered Momika's expulsion but granted him a new temporary residence permit until April 2024 due to threats against him in Iraq.