Moral Injury, Normalization of Evil, and Decolonial Theory in the analysis of perpetrators' discourse and a liberationist response

This paper will examine the analysis of paramilitary perpetrators’ narratives concerning their involvement in mass crimes during the Colombian civil war, focusing on individuals who do not exhibit typical symptoms of moral injury like remorse or guilt. Through the theoretical frameworks of normalization of evil and decolonial theory, I will explore these narratives. Divided into three parts, the paper will first discuss Carlos Mauricio García Fernández's book, "No divulgar hasta que los implicados estén muertos," detailing the experiences of a former commander of the Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia - AUC, whose behavior diverges from traditional perceptions of moral injury. Subsequently, I will delve into the concept of normalization of evil, juxtaposed with decolonial theory, to elucidate how assimilation to oppressive structures enabled perpetrators' involvement in heinous acts. Finally, I will explore potential ethical frameworks that liberation theology can offer to address these narratives.