Former municipal chief physician in Norway charged with raping 88 women

A former municipal chief physician in Norway has been formally charged with the rape of 88 women and is facing a total of 96 charges involving sexual offenses. The attorneys for the victims termed the indictment as serious and extensive, with allegations stating that the physician engaged in sexual acts with patients who were unable to resist due to their conditions. The incidents reportedly occurred during medical examinations between 2004 and 2022.

The trial is scheduled to begin on November 5, with a timeline of 16 weeks allocated for the proceedings. So far, the accused has denied any wrongdoing. However, his defense attorney has indicated that the matter of guilt or innocence will be addressed in forthcoming police interviews.

The indictment encompasses charges under sections of both the 1902 and 2005 penal codes, primarily focusing on the abuse of the physician’s position to obtain sexual contact. Additionally, for 88 of the women, the charges include rape for having sexual intercourse with individuals unable to consent.

The alleged offenses occurred predominantly in the physician’s office, with many examinations being recorded covertly without the victims’ knowledge. These recordings included inappropriate acts such as the use of fingers or objects, and in some instances, patients were completely or partially undressed, placed in a manner that prevented them from seeing the physician’s actions.

The scope of the accusations spans back to the late 1990s, indicating that the investigation has been thorough and far-reaching, with police sifting through over 6,000 hours of video footage in their inquiry. Local authorities have emphasized the toll this situation has taken on the community, expressing hope for resolution as the trial approaches.