Swedish Prosecutor Frees 5 Shooting Suspects Dead Momika Al-Qur'an Burner

JAKARTA - The Swedish prosecutor has decided to release five suspects from detention for the murder of an anti-Islamic activist who burned the Al Quran.

Salwan Momika, 38, an Iraqi refugee who several times burned the Koran in public, was shot dead at a house in the city of Sodertalje near Stockholm.

Sweden's prime minister on Thursday said the killings may be linked to foreign powers.

"Although five suspects were initially arrested by police, their suspicions have weakened in line with the progress of the investigation," Senior Prosecutor Rasmus Oman said in a statement quoted by Reuters on Saturday, February 1.

"But the five people are still being investigated further," said Oman.

Momika was tried in Sweden after she burned and tarnished copies of the Koran, the holy book of Muslims, in public and on social media broadcasts.

Sweden in 2023 increased terrorism vigilance to a second-highest level and warned of threats against Swedish citizens at home and abroad after the burning of the Koran, which was mostly carried out by Momika, angered Muslims and posed threats.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in 2023, the people who tarnished the Koran must face the "heavyest punishment".

Khamenei said Sweden had fought against the Muslim world for supporting those responsible for this blasphemy.