By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
AL-FURQAN Islamic Centre in Springvale South has announced its immediate closure due to “harassment, pressure and false accusations”.
In a statement on its website last night, the centre announced it was “ceasing its activities and closing its doors”.
“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.”
The statement follows a press release on Monday in which the centre denied any connection with the 18 April counter-terrorism raids in Melbourne’s south-east suburbs.
Reports have linked the three teenage men charged over the raids – as well as Numan Haider who stabbed police and was shot outside Endeavour Hills police station last year – with Al-Furqan.
The centre described the claims as “unfounded and misleading”.
