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In a case that has left Norway in disbelief, a former village doctor is on trial for allegedly raping 87 women in 20 years. The victims, aged between 14 and 67, were allegedly attacked at his clinic and in their homes. The case, considered the biggest sex abuse scandal in Norway’s history, has shocked the small town of Frosta, where the suspect had served as a trusted doctor for years.

Arne Bye, 55, is accused of abusing his position to abuse 94 women, including two minors. He faces allegations of rape and misconduct involving patients under the guise of medical treatment. Bye has pleaded guilty to three counts of rape and 35 counts of abuse of power, but denies most of the charges. If convicted, he faces up to 21 years in prison.

Troubling Evidence Revealed
Police investigations have revealed more than 6,000 hours of video recordings of Bye’s investigations, many of which were filmed without the victims’ consent. Prosecutors allege the doctor performed invasive gynecological examinations, inserting objects into patients without medical justification. Victims have described excruciating pain and humiliation during these sessions.

One victim, referred to as woman number 18, testified about her harrowing experience. She visited Bye for a sore throat, but was told to undress for an abdominal examination. “I thought he was my doctor, so I did what he said,” she said, adding that the experience was so painful that she feared for her life.

Other women reported similar invasive procedures, including unnecessary gynecological exams and abdominal massages. Video evidence presented in court showed Bye used multiple cameras to record the attacks, which he claimed were for legal protection.

Allegations of systematic abuse
The scale of the alleged crimes has stunned the community. Bye was a respected public figure and served as a physician to hundreds. The indictment also revealed that family members of some victims, including a mother and daughter, were targeted.

Prosecutors emphasized the graphic nature of the evidence. “We have video recordings of the attacks themselves. This presents a unique evidentiary situation,” said prosecutor Richard Haugen Lyng.

Despite the seriousness of the charges, Bye was allowed to remain in his position until formal charges were filed in 2023. The investigation began in 2022 after health authorities raised concerns.

Community outrage and legal proceedings
The lawsuit has sparked widespread outrage and calls for stricter oversight of healthcare professionals. Many in Frosta expressed disbelief that such crimes could go undetected for decades.

Bye has admitted partial responsibility, admitting some of the actions but denying their sexual nature. His defense claims the videos were never intended for personal viewing and were only rewatched as part of the case.

The trial continues as Norway grapples with the seriousness of the allegations. Authorities have vowed to hold Bye accountable while addressing systemic issues that may have allowed the abuse to continue undetected.