The mother and sister of Enoch Burke were arrested at Castlerea Prison on Tuesday afternoon

09:39, 01 Apr 2026Updated 09:46, 01 Apr 2026

Josiah Burke(Image: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

A family member of jailed teacher Enoch Burke has strongly criticised the arrest and detention of his mother and sister, describing the development as “shocking” and politically motivated.

In a statement posted online, his brother Josiah Burke said Martina Burke and Ammi Burke were “arrested and jailed” on Tuesday, claiming they were targeted for speaking out against court decisions and issues relating to transgender rights.

The mother and sister of Enoch Burke were arrested at Castlerea Prison on Tuesday afternoon.

Martina and Ammi Burke were arrested on foot of a court order at the Co Roscommon prison after the High Court had ordered their immediate arrest and committal to prison for contempt of court.

The women were arrested at Castlerea Prison on Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement, An Garda Siochana said: “An Garda Siochana executed a High Court order against two females at Castlerea Prison this afternoon, Tuesday, March 31.

“They will be brought to Mountjoy Women’s Prison on foot of the Order of Committal.”

Irish teacher Enoch Burke, with his mother Martina Burke (left) and his sister Ammi Burke leaving the High Court in Dublin

It is understood a visit had been scheduled for another family member of Enoch Burke’s, who is currently in custody, but his mother and sister also turned up and the gardai were called. They are due to be incarcerated in the Dóchas Centre in Dublin.

In a post on X, Enoch’s brother Josiah shortly afterwards on Tuesday night wrote: “My brother Enoch Burke has spent over 600 days in jail for refusing to bow to transgenderism.

“Today my mother Martina and sister Ammi were arrested and jailed – for having the courage and conviction to call out the lies and treachery of judges who have ignored the constitution and imposed LGBTQ+ tyranny on our country.

Enoch Burke’s mother Martina (second right) and sister Ammi (right) leaving the High Court, Dublin(Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire)

“It’s shocking to see them put into a van today and taken away like criminals. But we are seeing the true face of LGBT ideology and those who enforce it – anyone who dares to live by their Christian beliefs must be crushed. Shame on the church leaders who have been utterly silent on this issue. Like Judas of old they have grasped their few pieces of silver and betrayed Christ and His truth through their silence and indifference.

“BUT THE TRUTH WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED,” Josiah wrote.

At the beginning of March, High Court judge Brian Cregan ordered the pair be jailed for two weeks for contempt of court after interrupting a case involving Enoch Burke in February.

Mr Justice Brian Cregan found the pair in contempt after they were physically removed from his courtroom last month by gardaí during the hearing of a case brought by Enoch Burke.

The judge also said he would contact the Law Society over the behaviour of Ammi Burke, who is a trained solicitor.

He further said that he is considering making an order that Martina Burke, Ammi Burke and another sibling, Isaac Burke, can only attend future hearings involving Enoch Burke remotely.

Martina and Ammi Burke were not in court to hear the decision on March 4, but the judge has made an order for their committal.

However, it took until Tuesday to locate the pair at Castlerea Prison where they were arrested on foot of the court order.

“There comes a time when the court must then move to consider contempt of court proceedings against them,” Mr Justice Cregan said at the beginning of March.

“That time is long overdue.”

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