24-year-old arrested for murder of Quran burner Momika
Swedish authorities have detained a 24-year-old man in absentia for murdering Quran burner Salwan Momika. The suspect remains at large with evidence pointing to Syria. The killing occurred during a TikTok live stream in January.
A Swedish court has detained a 24-year-old man in absentia for the murder of Salwan Momika. The suspect's current location remains unknown.
Prosecutor Rasmus Öman said evidence points toward Syria. The suspect was formally arrested on June 19 while absent from proceedings.
He also faces charges for serious weapons offenses. His previous convictions include minor drug crimes and serious traffic negligence. No prior convictions for violent crimes appear on his record.
Authorities previously investigated him for attempted murder in 2021. That case was eventually closed.
The suspect's defense lawyer Martin Larsson confirmed he has no contact with his client. This complicates legal proceedings significantly.
Momika was shot dead in his Södertölje apartment in January. The killing occurred during a TikTok live stream. Witnesses watching the stream heard gunshots after Momika stepped onto his balcony to smoke.
Prosecutor Öman described the murder method during partially closed hearings. The perpetrator entered through a neighboring building entrance. He then accessed the roof before descending to Momika's balcony.
The timing suggests the attacker monitored Momika's online activity. This appears to be a targeted killing rather than random violence.
International readers should understand Sweden's legal system allows trials in absentia when suspects flee. Södertölje is a city south of Stockholm with diverse demographics.
The case highlights Sweden's ongoing challenges with gang violence and international connections to conflict zones. Solving this murder requires cross-border cooperation that often proves difficult.