A doctor in Norway has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for raping and sexually abusing numerous patients, an incident that has left the nation in shock. Arne Bye, a former general practitioner, was found guilty of 70 counts of rape and sexual assault, as well as 82 counts of misusing his position as a doctor.
The offenses primarily occurred during medical examinations in the small town of Frosta, which has a population of fewer than 3,000. The court’s decision came after a lengthy investigation that involved allegations from 94 women over nearly two decades. The first complaint dates back to 2004, and the most recent was made in 2022.
During the trial, the court heard disturbing accounts of non-consensual touching and inappropriate pelvic exams. Bye even used non-medical items, such as deodorant, during these examinations without any medical justification. Such actions are classified as rape under Norwegian law, which includes both penetrative and non-penetrative offenses.
Bye was calm as the judge announced the maximum sentence. Judge Espen Haug described the case as "very serious" and emphasized that Bye’s actions had eroded public trust in the healthcare system. The judge noted that patients expect to feel safe during medical visits, and Bye’s behavior had violated that trust.
Health authorities first raised concerns about Bye’s conduct in August 2022, prompting a police investigation. Authorities discovered the extent of his misconduct after reviewing hundreds of hours of footage from a camera he secretly installed in his office.
Women aged between 14 and 67 came forward to share their experiences. Bye pleaded guilty to some charges but was acquitted of others. His defense team requested a lighter sentence, suggesting 17 to 18 years, given his admissions of guilt regarding 21 victims.
Prosecutors expressed satisfaction with the verdict, while Bye’s lawyer indicated they would review the judgment before deciding on an appeal. This case has sparked a broader conversation about trust in the medical profession and the importance of patient safety.