SUVA. Sept 8: FIJI coup plotter George Speight today again failed to win his release from jail when a High Court judge decided he could not rule on an issue being dealt with by another judge, legal sources said, reports AFP.

The case against Speight and 24 others facing treason charges after the failed coup earlier this year was adjourned until September 22 by Justice Daniel Fatlakl after he met with defence lavwers tn chambers for three hours.

Speight and his men have been held on the makeshift prison Island of Nukulau east of here since the May 19 coup ended with the release of Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and his government held during a 56-day siege of parliament.

Defence lawyers argue that Speight and the others should be released because they are covered by an Immunity given by the military at the end of the drama.

The military declared martial law on May 29 and have installed an interim civilian government headed by Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase.

But the prosecutors have countered that the Immunity decree was drawn up under duress while Speight and his men were holding the hostages and Is therefore invalid.