A court has heard than a Christian hotelier has abused a Muslim woman including claims that because of her wearing of traditional Islamic dress that she was a murderer and a terrorist.

Hotel operators Benjamin Vogelenzang and his wife, Sharon, subjected Ericka Tazi to the torrent of abuse at their Merseyside establishment the Liverpool magistrate’s court was told. Tazi claimed that the fact she wore a traditional gown and hijab head covering was the reason for the attack. Mr and Mrs Vogelenzang have denied the allegations, saying they did not use any words which were abusive, threatening or aggravated by religion.

Mrs Tazi stayed at the Bounty House Hotel in Liverpool’s Aintree suburb for one month while she was attending Aintree Hospital. Her lawyer told the court that she had to endure Mr Vogelenzang arguing that Mohammed was not a prophet but a warlord akin to Hitler and Sadam Hussein. His wife is also alleged to have said Tazi was being oppressed through her Islamic dress which represented a form of bondage.

Tazi only wore the traditional Islamic clothing for one day at the end of her four week stay which she said triggered something inn the couple who mocked her and proceeded to demean her faith. Other guests said they had overheard Mr Vogelenzang use the terms warlord and Nazi during what all witnesses agreed was a volatile display.

Mrs Tazi, who is 60-years-old and partially disabled, said she was fearful for her safety during the incident. In their defence, the hoteliers said that they had simply been sharing their views on faith.

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