A court in Norway has sentenced Dr. Arne Bye to 21 years in prison for the egregious sexual assault and rape of multiple women, sparking national outrage.
Bye, a former general practitioner, faced 70 counts of rape and sexual misconduct, in addition to 82 counts of abusing his medical position. The terrifying acts predominantly occurred during examinations conducted in his clinic in the small town of Frosta, home to fewer than 3,000 residents, located near Trondheim.
In addition to his lengthy prison term, Bye has been barred from practicing medicine and required to pay restitution to his victims. This case spans nearly two decades and involves allegations from 94 women, with some dating back as early as 2004.
During the trial, Judge Espen Haug described Bye’s actions as “absolutely unacceptable,” highlighting the betrayal of trust inherent in exploiting his medical authority. While Bye acquiesced to guilty pleas for some charges, he was acquitted on others, appearing calm as he received the maximum sentence.
The investigation was initiated when health authorities alerted law enforcement about Bye’s dubious practices, leading police to discover hidden footage that documented his offenses. This disturbing case underscores a grave violation in a setting meant for care and healing, severely undermining public trust in healthcare professionals.
If you or someone you know needs support related to sexual assault, please seek help through available resources.
Source: www.bbc.com
