Afghan detainee review guidelines released

The Harper government has given a retired judge the guidelines it wants used for a review of documents related to the military's handling of Afghan detainees.

Opposition MPs have demanded to see documents on the issue.

The government has rebuffed their request, citing national security concerns, but the opposition parties have accused the Tories of defying Parliament.

Conservatives announced earlier this month that retired Supreme Court of Canada justice Frank Iacobucci will review the documents and determine whether they can be withheld.

Justice Minister Ron Nicholson released Iacobucci's terms of reference on Saturday.

Iacobucci is being asked to determine if the public interest in releasing these documents outweighs risks to Canada's international relations, national defence or national security.