– The victims will testify, even though this will be tough for many, says assistance lawyer Ingunn Kjeldstad to NTB.
Three at a time each day, the victims will share their stories with the Trøndelag District Court in the weeks to come. During the opening presentation last week, state prosecutor Eli Reberg Nessimo explained that almost 5 percent of all women in the small Trøndelag municipality had been patients and had been abused by the popular general practitioner.
In total, 94 women, former patients of Arne Bye, will testify.
The Accused First
For 25 years, Bye had been the stable healthcare provider in Frosta municipality. He had been available early and late, giving the impression of genuine concern and care for his patients. When the police began investigating the case two years ago, it became clear that the general practitioner had also filmed several thousand hours of gynecological consultations at the clinic.
– Many have the same last name. There are sisters, daughters, mothers, colleagues, acquaintances, and friends, Nessimo said in the opening presentation at the Trøndelag District Court last Tuesday.
Normally, it is the victims who speak first in a criminal case. But with 94 women who all have to tell their stories to the court, the accused was allowed to provide an open explanation to the court, where he generally discussed his background and practice as a doctor in Frosta over the past 25 years. He also willingly described how he performed gynecological examinations and how he had used a number of instruments that are not typically used in such contexts.
When the victims begin their testimonies, Arne Bye will also have to answer questions related to each individual case.
A Different Impression
When expert witnesses presented their findings on Friday regarding the methods and instruments Bye had used, the court received a different impression of the examination than what the doctor had described.
– I think it is torturing the woman, said gynecologist and professor of obstetrics Mette Haase Moen when she was asked to comment on what she had heard Arne Bye say about how he used his hands, fingers, and certain instruments on the patient.
– I believe the explanation from the experts provided the victims with support and affirmation of what they had experienced, comments assistance lawyer Kjelstad.
The forensic psychiatric experts who evaluated the former general practitioner concluded that there was nothing wrong with the 55-year-old’s understanding of reality. However, they described that he had a compulsive behavioral pattern and a problem with viewing himself from an external perspective.
tense and Nervous
Throughout the first week, the victims have followed the case from a separate courtroom elsewhere in the courthouse. Up to 60–70 of the women have been present in Stjørdal.
However, many have been anxious about the large media presence the case has attracted. After a closed meeting with the media on Friday morning, many have felt calmer regarding their own testimony in court.
– My clients are both nervous and excited before they testify, but several are calmer after we managed to arrange the meeting with the press on Friday, says assistance lawyer Camilla Hagen to NTB.
A total of 16 weeks have been allocated for the case. It will not conclude and be passed to judgment until mid-February. The period up to January 17 has been set aside for the victims’ testimonies.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert Ingunn Kjeldstad on the Arne Bye Case
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Ingunn. This case has captured the attention of many across Norway. Can you start by providing an overview of the situation unfolding in the Trøndelag District Court?
Ingunn Kjeldstad: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. We’re currently witnessing a deeply troubling case involving Arne Bye, a general practitioner with a 25-year history in the Frosta municipality. He has been accused of abusing nearly 100 women who were his patients. It’s horrifying to note that nearly 5% of women in this small community have come forward as victims. Starting this week, 94 women will testify about their experiences, which is undoubtedly a monumental step for many of them.
Time.news Editor: That’s staggering. From what you’ve seen so far, how is the court handling such a sensitive situation?
Ingunn Kjeldstad: The court is approaching this process with a level of compassion and seriousness. During the opening presentation, the state prosecutor, Eli Reberg Nessimo, acknowledged the unique and painful context of this situation. The decision to allow the accused, Bye, to provide an open explanation first is also unusual – it’s typically the victims who share their stories first. This was done because of the sheer number of victims we’re dealing with; it seems to aim at streamlining the process.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of the accused, what has been revealed about his practice and his behavior during consultations?
Ingunn Kjeldstad: Bye portrayed himself as a dedicated and caring healthcare provider, available to his patients at all hours. However, the investigation revealed alarming practices, such as his recording of thousands of hours of gynecological consultations. These revelations paint a much darker picture of his intentions behind those examinations. Expert witnesses have already contradicted his claims about standard gynecological practices, indicating that he used instruments and methods that are atypical and concerning.
Time.news Editor: That’s quite alarming. What do you think the impact will be on the victims who are now preparing to testify?
Ingunn Kjeldstad: This part of the process is undoubtedly incredibly challenging for the victims. They are not only reliving traumatic experiences but also standing against a figure who was once trusted in their community. However, it’s an essential step for seeking justice and validation. For many, testimony can be a form of empowerment and healing, even if it comes with distress.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like there is a strong sense of community involvement in this case. How are the relationships among the victims influencing the proceedings?
Ingunn Kjeldstad: Yes, the relationships among the victims – many of whom know each other as sisters, mothers, colleagues, or friends – create a poignant backdrop for this case. This community dynamic may provide some emotional support for the victims, but it can also complicate the legal narrative. The prosecutor mentioned this diverse web of connections, which highlights how widespread this issue is within their community. Each woman’s testimony will contribute to a larger tapestry of abuse that can’t be ignored.
Time.news Editor: what message do you hope this case will send to communities about the importance of speaking out against abuse?
Ingunn Kjeldstad: I hope this case underscores the importance of believing and supporting victims when they choose to speak out. It’s crucial for communities to recognize that abuse can occur in trusted spaces, including healthcare settings. It’s essential that we create an environment where victims feel safe to come forward, and that accountability is prioritized. This case is a reminder that our healthcare providers must be held to the highest ethical standards, and when that trust is broken, the repercussions are serious and far-reaching.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Ingunn, for your insights on this difficult topic. We hope for a resolution that brings justice to the victims and safety to the community.
Ingunn Kjeldstad: Thank you for having me. It’s a vital discussion, and we must remain vigilant and supportive of those affected.