The Banality of Evil: Stéphane de Navacelle on Rwanda, Church Abuse and Corporate Justice

Shownotes

Content warning: This episode discusses sexual violence against children, institutional abuse and genocide, including accounts that some listeners may find distressing. The conversation explores: - Rwanda proceedings: transferring cases between jurisdictions, delayed justice and the responsibility to speak up. - Abuse in the French Catholic Church: institutional silence, safeguards and the courage required to disclose harm. - Truth and forgiveness: acknowledging facts, committing not to repeat harm and making reparation—and how these differ from punishment. - The importance of listening to victims, and how legal proceedings can cause further distress. - Vicarious harm: the emotional burden on investigators, judges and others who work with traumatic testimony. - Corporate accountability: internal investigations, whistleblowing, French financial crime enforcement and negotiated settlements. - AI, online anonymity and the tension between prevention, accountability and misuse of power. A central takeaway: responding to a disclosure does not always require an immediate solution. Listening and acknowledging the trust placed in you can matter.