Amherst Eyed For Guantanamo Detainees If Freed

AMHERST, Mass. — Amherst leaders are backing a resolution offering the Massachusetts college town as a possible resettlement home for two Guantanamo detainees if they are released from the military prison.

The Select Board voted 2-1 on Monday to endorse a warrant article filed on behalf of the two men by the group Pioneer Valley No More Guantanamos. The resolution would require approval by residents at a town meeting. It also calls on Congress to lift a ban on relocating former Guantanamo prisoners — even those cleared of wrongdoing — from resettling in the U.S.

Supporters of Ahmed Belbacha and Ravil Mingazov say the men have been wrongly detained and never committed hostile attacks against the U.S.

Select Board chairwoman Stephanie O’Keeffe voted against the resolution, saying it was outside the expertise of Town Meeting.