Charges dropped against former physician Arne Bye in Norway’s largest abuse case

Karen-Marie Reitan expressed her anger after being informed that the charges against her case had been dropped, stating, “I felt like I was going to explode. I was extremely upset, and it wasn’t just for myself, but for everyone.” After two years of investigation, the former municipal chief physician in Frosta, Arne Bye, was charged in September. However, 114 women’s cases, including Karen-Marie’s, have been shelved.

The investigation revealed that Bye filmed Reitan during a gynecological examination, yet authorities decided not to pursue charges, citing insufficient evidence to prove sexual abuse of his position. “It’s like being punched in the stomach; it’s incomprehensible,” she said.

In total, 95 women are recognized as victims in Bye’s case, with 88 alleging rape, making it one of Norway’s largest abuse cases. However, the police set aside 99 cases before forwarding the investigation to the prosecution; 85 of these were due to statutes of limitations. “There were over 200 women involved in the case, and many aren’t included now,” Karen-Marie lamented, feeling as though their stories are not believed or valued.

Legal expert Kjetil Kolsrud explained that the prosecution opted to exclude lesser charges to focus on the significant cases, although the women involved in these minor incidents feel overlooked.

Six women whose cases were dismissed have lodged complaints. Meanwhile, Bye has partially admitted guilt, confessing to raping three women and exploiting his position in 40 of the 95 allegations against him. The trial against him is set to begin on November 5.