Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed yesterday, Saturday, that his country is a "rule of law" nation with a "strong and independent" judiciary, in response to arrests related to the assassination of a separatist Sikh leader.

Three Indian nationals were arrested on Friday and charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy in connection with the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in the west of the country, nearly a year ago.

The case plunged Canada and India into a diplomatic crisis last fall, after the Canadian Prime Minister hinted at the involvement of the Indian government in the assassination.

Trudeau said yesterday, Saturday, at a gathering in Toronto celebrating Sikh heritage and culture, that these arrests are "important because Canada is a country founded on the rule of law, with a strong and independent judiciary, as well as a fundamental commitment to protecting all of its citizens."

The Prime Minister acknowledged that members of the Sikh community in Canada may feel "uneasy, and even fearful at this time," but he urged them to remain "calm and firmly committed to our democratic principles," pointing out that there are two separate investigations currently ongoing.

The federal police stated on Friday that there are other potential suspects, noting that they are trying to determine whether there are "links to the Indian government that need to be established."