Two men in Sweden are set to go on trial for burning the Quran in protests last year that sparked outrage in Muslim countries. Salwan Momika and Salwan Najem are being charged with offenses of agitation against an ethnic or national group, as they desecrated the Quran, made derogatory remarks about Muslims, and expressed contempt for Muslims due to their faith during the protests. The incidents led to security tightening in Sweden, strained relations with the Middle East, and large protests in several countries. Momika, a Christian refugee from Iraq, wanted to protest against Islam and the Quran, while Najem believes his actions were protected under Swedish law.
The burnings caused protests in Iraq, leading to the storming of the Swedish embassy in Baghdad. In response, the United Nations Human Rights Council approved a resolution against religious hatred and bigotry, with the US and EU abstaining. Critics argue that Quran burnings are protected forms of free speech that should not be criminalized. Another right-wing activist, Rasmus Paludan, has also been charged for a Quran burning protest in Sweden in 2022.
In Denmark, where Quran burnings also occurred, legislation was tightened to ban the practice. The evidence against Momika and Najem mainly consists of video recordings, as prosecutors believe their actions constitute agitation against an ethnic or national group. Despite facing deportation for false information on his residency application, Momika will not be sent back to Iraq due to the risk of torture. The trial will shed light on the boundaries of free speech and the rights of individuals to criticize religions.
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