Sherwin Bryce-Pease, New York

US President Barack Obama's decision not to allow the release of photographs detailing detainee abuse in Afghanistan and Iraq may end up the Supreme Court. This comes after the President invoked national security concerns to oppose their release in the face of mounting pressure from civil liberties groups for greater transparency.

The decision has upset some of Obama's most liberal supporters. In a statement, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) says the Obama administration's decision flies in the face of the President's stated desire to "revive their moral standing in the world and to lead a transparent Government.

Obama earlier in the week tried to make his Government's case. He indicated they were not trying to conceal inappropriate actions.

“It's therefore my belief that the publication of these photos would not add any additional benefit to our understanding of what was carried out by a small number of individuals. In fact, the most direct consequence would be to inflame anti-American opinion and to put our troops in greater danger. Moreover, I fear the publication of these photos will only have a chilling effect on future investigations of detainee abuse,” said Obama.

The ACLU statement warns against Government betraying the American people saying the release of the photos would allow them to fully learn how the nation veered down the path of criminality and immorality.

Although ordered by three court decisions to release the pictures, the Government is likely to petition the Supreme Court for a review.