Former doctor charged with sexual assault of 88 patients in Frosta, Norway

A former district doctor from Frosta, a small municipality north of Trondheim, Norway, has been charged with sexually assaulting 88 of his patients. The case, which includes compelling evidence such as 6,000 hours of secretly recorded video footage, is unprecedented in Norway’s legal history.

The accused, Arne Bye, is scheduled to appear in court in Trondheim on November 4. He faces charges involving a total of 96 individuals, including the sexual assault of 88 women. Authorities discovered hard drives during a search of Bye’s residence, containing the extensive video recordings taken without the patients’ knowledge.

Frosta, a community of only 2,600 residents predominantly comprised of flower and vegetable farmers, has previously gained recognition as Norway’s agricultural hub, famed for its high-quality produce. The current scandal, however, has thrust the town into the national spotlight for far more troubling reasons.

The lengthy indictment spans 23 pages, indicating what is expected to be a time-consuming trial process lasting approximately 16 weeks. Reports highlight that this case has significantly shaken the small community, as many residents regarded Bye as a beloved figure, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when he was credited with instrumental public health responses.

Local sentiments are reflecting a deep sense of betrayal and shock, with former residents now coming forward to discuss their experiences within the community.

As Frosta comes to terms with this distressing revelation, it is likely that the town will be remembered not just for its agricultural significance, but also for one of Norway’s most significant sexual assault cases.