The trial of Isak Dreyer and five other men for illegal bear hunting in Sweden began in Östersund, according to multiple reports. All six are charged with gross illegal bear hunting in Sweden, as stated in the indictment. The trial continues where six men, five from Norway and one from Värmland, are suspected of gross hunting crime in Strömsund municipality. The crime is said to have occurred in October 2023.
Prosecutor Åse Schoultz presented the prosecution's case, alleging that this was an illegal, planned hunt of a female bear with cubs, and that cars were used during the hunt. It is strictly forbidden to shoot female bears with cubs in Sweden, regardless of license. The County Administrative Board in Jämtland had decided that a number of bears could be hunted in summer 2023, but female bears with cubs and cubs were not allowed to be shot. All shot animals must be reported; it is also illegal to use motorized vehicles during the hunt. Police found a video in the men's phones showing them hunting a female bear with two cubs using a car. In the video, one man shoots the female bear and then one of the cubs, according to police.
Senior prosecutor Åse Schoultz stated that the hunters intentionally hunted a female bear and her cubs, and the female was felled and then a cub was felled. Senior prosecutor Frida Molander stated that the crime should be considered aggravated because the hunting caused undue suffering, used cars, and involved specially protected wildlife. Prosecutor Åse Schoultz demanded around two years in prison for those who shot the bear and cub, and lower sentences down to six months for others in the hunting party. She demanded one year in prison for Isak Dreyer. NRK initially reported that Dreyer had been demanded six months in prison, but corrected it to say the others were demanded six months while Dreyer was demanded one year.
The case lacks evidence on an individual level and Dreyer should be acquitted.
Dreyer's defense lawyer Sven Severin said the case lacks evidence on an individual level and that Dreyer should be acquitted. Dreyer explained in court that he acted in good faith and was looking forward to his first bear hunt. Dreyer has consistently denied guilt and claimed he did not shoot any bear. Isak Dreyer denies the charges. He says he was not involved in shooting any cubs or females that day and did not shoot anything.
Key evidence includes a video of Dreyer dragging the smallest bear, according to multiple reports. Dreyer confirms he flayed the bear cub and decided to take the skin home to Norway. He says he took the skin because none of the other hunters wanted it. Police found the skin of a bear cub at Dreyer's home on his bedroom. One of the hunters has admitted he shot the female bear. The main accused hunter initially said he thought he shot a lone bear, but the prosecutor does not believe him. The main accused hunter later changed his statement. The female bear was checked later that day; the cub that was also shot was never reported.
Earlier in police interrogations, one of the six suspects admitted the crime, but during the trial's first day it became clear that all six now deny the crime. This contradiction affects the credibility of the defendants' statements and the strength of the prosecution's case. If one hunter admitted earlier but later denied, it may indicate a change in strategy or coercion.
The hunters intentionally hunted a female bear and her cubs, and the female was felled and then a cub was felled.
On April 15, Isak Dreyer was convicted of gross hunting theft after bear hunting in Sweden. He was sentenced to 120 hours of community service. The community service must be served in Sweden, but Dreyer can apply to transfer it to Norway, according to Kriminalvården in Sweden. Dreyer was initially charged with gross hunting offense, but only convicted for flaying the bear and taking the skin. According to the verdict, Dreyer has consented to community service.
Dreyer continues as co-host of an NRK program, according to multiple reports. His ongoing role at NRK has drawn public interest due to his fame as a Norwegian TV personality.
The trial has attracted significant public attention because of Dreyer's celebrity status. The outcome will determine the sentences for all six defendants, with the prosecution seeking prison terms ranging from six months to two years. Unknowns include the final sentences for the other five defendants, whether Dreyer will apply to transfer his community service to Norway, and the status of the confiscated bear cub skin.