Bernal is accused of spitting on a Muslim woman in what she called a hate crime

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A man faced a judge Thursday on a charge for allegedly spitting on a Muslim woman in Old Town Albuquerque.

The woman called he incident a hate crime. During a virtual arraignment, 70-year-old Daniel Bernal pleaded not guilty to battery charges The judge granted him standard conditions of release with one stipulation: He can’t return to Old Town Plaza.

Bernal’s attorney stated he goes to church there. However, Bernal said he could stay away from the area.

The case revolves around a video Sana Ali took earlier this month. She said Bernal saw her in her hijab with her children, asked her about her religion and told her she would “burn in hell.”

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