Four Indian nationals accused of killing Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year in Surrey were ordered by a Canadian court to have no contact with several people in the community, as they made their first joint appearance before it in the case that has severely strained ties between India and Canada.

Three of the 4 suspects — Karan Brar (22), Kamalpreet Singh (22) and Karanpreet Singh (28)— appeared in person for the first time in BC Provincial Court in Surrey. Amandeep Singh, 22, appeared by video link.

Amandeep remains in custody in Ontario where he was facing unrelated weapons offences before being arrested on May 10 for Nijjar’s killing.

Judge Mark Jette spoke to the men through an interpreter as he placed them under a no-contact order, before adjourning until the suspects’ next appearance on June 25, CBC News reported. Prosecutor Marcel Daigle said the time until next hearing will allow Crown to fulfil its evidentiary disclosure obligations to suspects’ lawyers.