Hong Kong Court Rejects Media Tycoon Jimmy Lai's Bid to Stop National Security Trial

Hong Kong court rejects jailed publisher's request to terminate his national security trial
Jimmy Lai, founder of Apple Daily, faces up to life in prison if convicted under Beijing-imposed national security law
Lai's lawyers filed an application to halt the trial, raising concerns that his case was being heard by three judges approved by the city's leader, instead of a jury
Judges unanimously rejected Lai's request, saying there was no reason to believe they "would be biased, actually or apparently, against" Lai
Lai is accused of conspiring with others to call for sanctions or blockades, or engage in hostile activities, against Hong Kong or China