TORONTO - Liberal Leader Stephane Dion says accusations made by Prime Minister Stephen Harper that the Liberals are more supportive of Taliban prisoners than Canadian soldiers are "outrageous.''

Dion says the remarks and previous accusations that he is against the police are representative of a pattern of bullying by Harper.

The Opposition leader says Harper is tarnishing Canada's reputation in considering the issue of protecting detainees as "trivial,'' and says he's concerned about the prime minister's behaviour.

Dion says that he would never resort to personal attacks.

He called again on Harper to apologize.

Harper levelled the accusation in the House of Commons on Wednesday after the Liberals demanded the resignation of Defence Minister Gordon O'Connor for misleading statements he made about prisoners in Afghanistan.

"I can understand the passion that the leader of the Opposition and members of his party feel for Taliban prisoners,'' Harper replied.

"I just wish occasionally they would show the same passion for Canadian soldiers.''

Harper's attack drew angry jeers from the Liberal ranks.