By Bhekie Matsebula BBC Swaziland reporter

Swaziland's High Court has ordered the trial of jailed opposition leader, Mario Masuku, to resume as early as next week.

The trial was suspended last month after Mr Masuku's lawyers argued that the trial judge was no longer legally employed, but this argument was dismissed on Tuesday.

Masuku says the translated version of his speech is faulty

The judges suggested that the lawyers might be trying to drag the case out for their own financial gain.

The leader of the People's United Democratic Movement has pleaded not guilty to charges of sedition, relating to comments he made at a political rally in November 2000.

If found guilty, he faces 20 years in prison.

He is not in good health and suffers from diabetes.

Retirement

The trial will now continue because Judge Josiah Matsebula's contract has been extended until 30 June.

This required a special decree by King Mswati III, because the judge has aleady passed the new retirement age of 65.

The king had to extend the judge's contract

Mr Masuku's lawyers suggested that the trial could continue beyond 30 June and so a new trial should be held before a different judge.

But Justices Maphalala and Annandale said this was mere speculation unless the defence lawyers continue their "academic exercise".

A Pudemo official, who did not want to be named, told me that Mr Masuku had opposed the original request for a new trial but the decision had been made by the lawyers.

Their fees are being paid by London-based human rights groups, Amnesty International.

No new trial date has been set but the judges said it should resume as soon as possible.