Sweden’s Migration Agency has made the decision to expel an Iraqi individual responsible for the burning of copies of the Koran, the Muslim holy book, during demonstrations in Stockholm in recent months, according to a report by broadcaster TV4 on Thursday.
In response to the Koran burnings that incited outrage among Muslims and provoked threats from jihadists, Sweden elevated its terrorism alert to the second-highest level in August, cautioning of heightened threats against Swedes both domestically and internationally.
Salwan Momika, a refugee from Iraq, has been identified as the instigator behind several of these actions, citing a desire to protest against the Islamic institution as a whole and advocate for the banning of its holy book.
The Migration Agency, as reported by TV4, has taken the decision to expel the individual from Sweden. However, it has granted a temporary residence permit until April 16, 2024, citing complications in executing the decision.
In Sweden and Denmark, known for their liberal stance on free speech and allowing robust criticism of religion, various anti-Islam activists have engaged in the burning of multiple copies of the Koran. However, many Muslims consider desecrating the Koran, believed to be the literal word of God, as an egregious offense.
In a recent tragic incident, a Tunisian gunman claimed the lives of two Swedish football fans in Brussels, an act that prompted Sweden’s prime minister to emphasize the need for bolstering security in Europe. The gunman, who identified himself as a member of the Islamic State, took responsibility for the attack in a video posted online.
