Melbourne’s Al-Furqan Islamic Centre, which was attended by three men charged with terrorism-related offences this week, has announced it is closing its doors.

In a statement on its website, the centre said it had come under a lot of pressure following the charges.

“This statement is to announce that, effective immediately, Al-Furqan Islamic Centre is ceasing its activities and closing its doors,” the statement read.

“This decision has not been taken lightly.

“We believe that given the constant harassment, pressure and false accusations levelled against the centre – particularly by media and politicians – this is the best course of action for the protection of the local community, its members, and the broader Muslim community that is often implicated in these insidious campaigns.”

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The centre, in Springvale South, has come under renewed scrutiny after Sevdet Besim and Harun Causevic, both 18, were charged with conspiring to commit a terrorist act over an alleged plot to attack Anzac Day commemorations.

A third 18-year-old man was charged on summons on weapons offences over the alleged plot.

Police said the three men, as well as two others who were released pending further inquiries, had links to the controversial Melbourne Islamic centre.

“Al-Furqan and a number of other centres around Australia have come to our attention,” Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Steve Fontana said on Tuesday.

“It’s more about some of the individuals who are opening up or trying to influence these young people, they are the people of real concern.

“[The people] who have probably got those extreme views and are trying to recruit and engage others in activity.”

Al-Furqan was also attended by Abdul Numan Haidar, who was shot dead after stabbing two police officers last year.