History of Salwan Momika in Timeline
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.
April 2024: Expiry of first Temporary Residence Permit
Momika was granted a three-year temporary residence permit in Sweden in April 2021. This was to expire in April 2024
January 2025: Death of Salwan Momika
Salwan Momika died on January 29, 2025, at age 38, after being shot during a TikTok livestream at his home in Södertälje. Five arrests were made.
January 2025: Assassination of Salwan Momika
Salwan Momika was assassinated on January 29, 2025, during a live broadcast on TikTok.