Sweden expels Iraqi Silwan Mumika, who burned the Koran

TV4 reported Thursday that the Swedish Migration Agency had deported Iraqi Silwan Mumika, who had burned the Koran during protests in recent months in Stockholm.

The television quoted the agency as saying: “The Immigration Agency decided to expel the person from Sweden… and due to complications in the implementation of the decision, granted him a limited residence permit for the period from 25 October 2023 to 16 April 2024.

Later, a spokesperson for the Swedish Migration Agency told Reuters that the authorities decided to cancel his residence permit and deport him, adding that the reason was because “the man provided false information regarding his application of residence”.

However, the spokesperson said Sweden could not implement the deportation order because the man would run the risk of torture and inhumane treatment if he were sent to Iraq. He added: “If the situation changes, he will be deported.”

The Swedish Immigration Agency said in July that it would review the man’s residence permit.

“I will not leave Sweden. I will live and die in Sweden. The Swedish Migration Agency has made a serious mistake,” Mumica told Swedish public radio SVT.

He expressed his belief that there were “hidden political reasons” behind the decision, stressing that he would appeal the matter.

In August, Sweden raised its terrorism alert to the second-highest level and warned of increased threats against Swedes at home and abroad after the burning of the Koran sparked anger among Muslims and threats from extremist groups.

People burned some Qur’ans in Sweden and Denmark, which are two of the most liberal countries in the world and allow criticism of religion in the name of freedom of expression.

Last week, a Tunisian gunman killed two Swedish fans in Brussels in an attack that Sweden’s prime minister said shows Europe needs to beef up security to protect itself.