An Iraqi living in Sweden who faced threats after burning the Koran in Stockholm in 2023 died in a shooting Wednesday, shortly before a verdict in his trial was about to be revealed.

Salwan Momika, the Iraqi activist who carried out four Quran-burnings in 2023, was shot dead in his apartment on Wednesday. a day before a court was due to rule on whether he was guilty of hate crimes.

Salwan Momika, known for Quran-burning protests in Sweden, was killed in Stockholm. Five arrests have been made. His actions had sparked global outrage and debates on freedom of speech. Swedish security services are investigating possible foreign links to the murder.