Salwan Sabah Matthew Momika was an Iraqi refugee, anti-Islam activist, and former militia member known for organizing Quran desecration protests in Sweden. Born on June 23, 1986, in Qaraqosh, Iraq, he later moved to Sweden as a refugee in 2018. His Quran burnings in 2023 sparked international tensions, leading to diplomatic conflicts between Sweden and several Muslim-majority nations.
Before his activism, Momika was affiliated with Iraqi militia groups, including the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), specifically the Imam Ali Brigades and Kataib Rouh Allah Issa Ibn Miriam, fighting against ISIS during the Iraq War (2013-2017). His Swedish residency permit was revoked due to false claims in his asylum application, and he was in the process of deportation before his assassination on January 29, 2025.
This article delves into Salwan Momika’s biography, net worth, activism, political affiliations, controversies, and assassination.
Salwan Momika Short Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Salwan Sabah Matthew Momika |
| Native Name | سلوان صباح متَّى موميكا (Arabic) / ܣܠܘܢ ܨܒܚ ܡܬܝ ܡܘܡܝܟܐ (Syriac) |
| Nationality | Iraqi |
| Date of Birth | June 23, 1986 |
| Age at Death | 38 years old |
| Place of Birth | Qaraqosh, Nineveh Governorate, Iraq |
| Date of Death | January 29, 2025 |
| Place of Death | Södertälje, Sweden |
| Cause of Death | Gunshot wounds (assassination) |
| Religion | Atheist (formerly Syriac Catholic) |
| Occupation | Activist, Former Militia Member |
| Known For | Quran desecration protests, Iraq War participation |
| Military Service | Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) |
| Years Active | 2014–2017 (military), 2023–2025 (activism) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $100,000 – $500,000 |
| Political Affiliation | Attempted to join the Sweden Democrats |
Early Life and Background
Salwan Momika was born in Qaraqosh, Iraq, in 1986. He belonged to the Assyrian Christian minority and was raised Syriac Catholic. His hometown was heavily affected by sectarian violence and ISIS attacks, which shaped his early years.
- In 2012, Momika fled Iraq after being convicted of causing a wrongful death in a car accident and sentenced to three years in prison.
- During the Iraq War (2013-2017), he joined the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and fought against ISIS.
- He was affiliated with Imam Ali Brigades, an Iran-backed Shiite militia, which was later accused of war crimes and sectarian violence.
In 2017, after an internal power struggle within Christian militias, he fled Iraq to Germany and later sought asylum in Sweden in 2018.
Activism & Quran Burnings in Sweden
Immigration to Sweden
- In 2018, Momika applied for asylum in Sweden, where he publicly renounced Christianity and identified as an atheist.
- His asylum was approved in 2021 for three years, but in 2023, Sweden’s Migration Agency revoked his permit after discovering false claims in his application.
- He was denied Swedish citizenship due to his militia background.
Quran Desecration Protests (2023)
In 2023, Momika gained international attention for organizing Quran-burning protests in Sweden.
- His first Quran burning took place on June 28, 2023, in Stockholm.
- He stepped on, wrapped the Quran in bacon, and set its pages on fire.
- The demonstrations sparked global outrage, especially in Iraq, Turkey, and Iran.
- The Swedish government faced diplomatic backlash, with Iraq expelling Sweden’s ambassador and banning Ericsson from operating in Iraq.
Despite threats to his life, he continued to burn Qurans outside mosques and embassies, leading to legal action.
Legal Issues & Deportation Attempts
- In October 2023, Sweden’s Migration Agency revoked his residency permit due to security concerns and false claims in his application.
- He attempted to seek asylum in Norway (March 2024) but was deported back to Sweden on April 11, 2024.
Death & Assassination (2025)
How Did Salwan Momika Die?
On January 29, 2025, Salwan Momika was shot dead in his home in Södertälje, Sweden, during a TikTok live stream.
- Time of Attack: 11:00 PM (local time)
- Location: His residence in Södertälje.
- Number of Gunmen: Unknown
- Live-streamed Murder: His assassination was broadcast live on TikTok.
- Arrests: Swedish police arrested five suspects in connection to his killing.
- Investigation: Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, suggested foreign involvement, possibly Iraq or Iran.
His murder happened hours before his scheduled court ruling on charges of agitation against an ethnic group.
Net Worth & Income Sources
Salwan Momika’s estimated net worth in 2025 was between $100,000 – $500,000.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $100,000 – $500,000 |
| Primary Income | Social Media (TikTok, YouTube), Activism |
| Other Income | Donations from Anti-Islam Groups |
| Legal & Fines | Faced deportation costs, lawsuits, and fines |
Lesser-Known Facts About Salwan Momika
- He was a former member of an Iraqi Christian militia, the Babylon Brigade.
- He renounced Christianity and became an atheist after moving to Europe.
- His Quran burnings caused Sweden’s worst diplomatic crisis in decades.
- He planned to run for the Swedish Parliament with the Sweden Democrats.
- He was convicted of unlawful threats after threatening a roommate with a knife.
- He was deported from Norway in April 2024.
- He received death threats from multiple Islamist groups before his murder.
- His assassination was live-streamed on TikTok, shocking viewers worldwide.
- He previously served in an Iran-backed militia before becoming an activist.
- He was banned from entering Iraq after his asylum request in 2023.
FAQs About Salwan Momika
Q: What was Salwan Momika’s net worth in 2025?
A: His estimated net worth was between $100,000 – $500,000.
Q: Why was Salwan Momika assassinated?
A: His Quran desecration protests made him a target for extremists, and there is speculation of foreign involvement in his murder.
Q: Did Salwan Momika serve in the military?
A: Yes, he was a former member of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), specifically the Imam Ali Brigades.
Q: Was Salwan Momika deported from Sweden?
A: He was scheduled for deportation, but Sweden postponed it due to threats to his life.
Q: Did Salwan Momika live-stream his murder?
A: Yes, his assassination was broadcast live on TikTok.
Conclusion
Salwan Momika was a highly controversial figure, known for Quran desecration protests that shook international politics. His past military ties, legal troubles, and activism made him a polarizing personality. His assassination in 2025 highlights the global impact of religious and political tensions.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only.
