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Readers React: Egypt’s sad record on human rights

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To the editor: Yes, Egypt is an important ally and deserves some financial support. But Ahmed H. Zewail’s attempt to minimize Egypt’s human rights problems is not persuasive. (“Don’t cut aid to Egypt: The hopeful case for supporting Egyptian President Sisi,” Op-Ed, Nov. 3)

Egypt has a sorry record on free speech for those who have spoken out against the government. For those who are charged with political crimes or who were simply members of the Muslim Brotherhood, due process seems not to exist. Add to that the atrocious behavior toward gays.

The U.S. needs to consider Turkey, whose application to join the European Union is on hold pending a showing that it is committed to freedom of speech for its citizens, that it will end persecution of the Kurdish minority group and that government corruption will be controlled.

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Likewise, we should offer some financial help to Egypt on the condition that it prove its government is a modern democracy and not just another military dictatorship.

Thomas Bailey, Long Beach

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion

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