Who is Salwan Momika, the Quran burner sparking international tensions between Sweden and Muslim nations

Tensions flared in Baghdad as anti-government protesters outraged by planned Quran burnings in Sweden stormed the Swedish embassy, resulting in its destruction by fire. In response, the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, swiftly expelled the Swedish ambassador and recalled the country’s charge d’affaires in Sweden, further escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations.

READ ALSO: Salaries of Google Employees Leaked, Software Engineers Get Rs 5.90 Crore Base Salary- Here’s Full List

The incident unfolded after demonstrators at the embassy displayed flags and signs featuring Muqtada al-Sadr, a prominent Iraqi Shia religious and political leader. The protesters were responding to an announcement about a second planned Quran burning in front of the Iraqi embassy in Stockholm, Sweden, which had infuriated supporters of al-Sadr, according to Al Jazeera.

READ ALSO: Weapon Snatching Bid Foiled In South Kashmir, one Arrested

Although the protesters in Sweden did not ultimately burn the Quran as previously threatened, they kicked and partially damaged a book claimed to be the Quran. Nevertheless, the incident sparked outrage among Iraqi protesters, leading to the violent actions at the Swedish embassy in Baghdad.

READ ALSO: New Train Timing 2023 For Kashmir

Here are 10 points about Salwan Momika, the man behind the diplomatic row between Sweden and Muslim nations:

1. He is a 37-year-old Iraqi refugee who arrived in Sweden in April 2018 and received refugee status in April 2021.
2. He is a former militia leader in Iraq who was affiliated with a pro-Iran group called the Popular Mobilization Forces.
3. He describes himself as an atheist and enlightened politician, thinker and author on his Facebook page.
4. He burned a Quran in front of Stockholm’s largest mosque on June 28, 2023, the first day of Eid al-Adha, a Muslim holiday.
5. He also put slices of ham on the Quran and stomped on it with his foot, while saying “Allah Akbar” several times in mockery.
6. His June protest drew condemnations from around the world, including from Turkey which has yet to ratify Sweden’s Nato membership.
7. He had applied for permission to carry out his act with the Swedish authorities and was granted the right by a judge based on Sweden’s principles of free speech.
8. On July 20, Momika staged another protest in Stockholm, stomping on and kicking a copy of the Muslim holy book outside Iraq’s embassy — although he refrained from burning it.
9. He said his motive was to protest against Islam and to highlight the importance of freedom of speech.
10. His act has sparked outrage among many Muslims and triggered protests in several countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

FOR FULL 👉: CLICK HERE