Rabat – Swedish authorities have reportedly revoked the residence permit for the Iraqi man behind the hostile Quran-burning protests that have ignited tensions over recent months.
The deportation order is however on hold as authorities are concerned that the man’s life “would be in danger if he is returned to Iraq,” news outlet AP reported.
Swedish broadcaster TV4 said on Thursday that Sweden’s Migration Agency revoked Salwan Momika’s residence after he provided “false information” in his asylum application.
“The decision was made yesterday and means that this person’s status and residence permit will be revoked and that he will be deported,” reports quoted the agency’s spokesperson Jesper Tengroth as saying.
Momika carried a series of hostile protests provoking and triggering anger from Muslim communities across the world.
The hostile Quran-burning protests took place under the protection of Swedish authorities, which sparked further frustration from the international community, holding Sweden responsible for its inaction against the Islamophobic attacks.
Morocco has been among the countries condemning the hostile acts. In June, Rabat recalled its ambassador to Stockholm, renewing concerns against a series of hostile and heinous Islamophobic acts targeting Muslims in the Nordic country.
The decision came after a Swedish court greenlighted a Quran-burning demonstration in defiance of the international uproar and frustration over the act, justifying the protest under the guise of freedom of expression.
Similar Islamophobic acts also took place in Denmark and the Netherlands, sparking concerns about the increase of Islamophobic and aggressive far-right rhetoric in Europe.
