Under Constantly Watchful Eyes: Roberto Saviano's Life in The Crosshairs
By Andrea Affaticati, Milan
Roberto Saviano is effectively confined, living in a protected manner.
In an interview with one of Italy's major daily newspapers, Roberto Saviano, the renowned investigative author, confesses his struggle with suicidal thoughts due to the relentless danger that has plagued his life for the past two decades, ever since he exposed the dark underbelly of the Neapolitan mafia, the Camorra, in his groundbreaking book "Gomorrah."
"Yes, I've contemplated ending my life a few times," Saviano reveals in his interview with Aldo Cazzullo of the Italian daily newspaper "Corriere della Sera." For 20 years now, he has been under police protection, a reality known only to those who have dared to walk in his shoes.
Born in Naples and now 44 years old, Saviano first gained international recognition in 2006 with "Gomorrah", a reportage and documentary book that delved into the structure and operations of the Camorra - the Neapolitan mafia. This revelation, in turn, put him in the crosshairs of the mob, with Camorra boss Francesco Bidognetti, also known as Cicciotto di Mezzanotte, and his lawyer bluntly communicating his imminent death sentence. Back then, Saviano was only 26 years old, and he was granted police protection. The trial against the mob boss has been ongoing for 16 years and remains unresolved.
Personal Struggles and Family Ties
In the interview, Saviano reflects on the guilt he feels towards his family. He shares a poignant story about the funeral of an influential aunt who recently passed away. "I didn't even have a proper funeral," Saviano remarks. "There was no one at the cemetery. My parents were forced to move to northern Italy as early as 2006 for my safety. They never truly settled there."
The Real Threat or Just a Show?
While the Camorristi who wish him dead grumble, there are also those who cannot forgive Saviano for his unflinching portrayal of Naples in "Gomorrah." His work has significantly contributed to drawing attention to the alarming criminal activities happening in the city and bringing about positive changes in some neighborhoods. Nevertheless, the narrative that he is only after fame and attention persists.
Saviano is often associated with political circles. He is hailed by the left and feared by the right. The national-populist deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini, infrastructure minister and leader of the Lega party, would love to withdraw Saviano's police protection. Saviano faces the question of why he has enjoyed police protection for decades with no apparent danger to date.
The Life of Salman Rushdie: A Bleak Mirror
During the interview, Saviano refers to the long-time friend and fellow writer Salman Rushdie. Rushdie’s novel "The Satanic Verses" incurred a fatwa in 1988, making him a target for Muslims worldwide. Despite the bounty still on his head, Rushdie fought back, live without police protection, and finally live freely again. However, his bubble was burst when he was seriously injured in a stabbing attack in 2022, losing an eye in the process. "The irony is that Rushdie now feels relieved," Saviano notes. "No one can question the authenticity of the fatwa now."
Protection and Imprisonment
Living under armed protection has two sides to it for Saviano: the constant skepticism of his threats being real and the never-ending quest for freedom from this perceived confinement.
When asked about the numerous panic attacks he experiences, Saviano admits, "Every hour of every day. I can't handle it without medication. The early hours of the morning are the worst." His life is a burden, as he weighs the risks of putting his life on the line and the regret of feeling trapped.
Loneliness and the Cost of Freedom
Both close relationships and romantic engagements are impeded by his restricted mobility. "Love demands freedom," Saviano laments, "and I don't have it." A poignant anecdote further emphasizes the lengths his situation takes on friendships. "Philip Roth once took a selfie with me," Saviano shares. "When I asked him how he felt about my life, he told me: 'I would never be jealous of this shitty life of yours.'"
Sources:- ntv.de
- Italy
- Mafia
- Italian Mafia
Enrichment Data:- Roberto Saviano’s life in the limelight as a journalist and author, focusing on the Camorra mafia in Naples, culminating in his best-known work "Gomorrah", remains a central theme in his forthcoming animated biopic "I'm Still Alive."- It is widely documented that Saviano's involvement in exposing criminal activities has resulted in relentless threats to his life, leading to a life of constant vigilance and isolation.- While Saviano struggles with feelings of loneliness and the impact of police protection on his relationships, he remains an engaged public figure, speaking at events and actively involved on social media.- As a coping mechanism, Saviano has channeled his experiences into creative outlets such as writing, directing, and public speaking.- Despite the challenges, Saviano continues to address organized crime through his ongoing work, including the "Gomorrah" prequel series and the film "I'm Still Alive."
- Roberto Saviano's lifestyle, far from ordinary, often finds him discussing employment policies to ensure his protection and reserves time for sustainable living, as seen in his books and public speaking engagements.
- In the realm of home-and-garden, Saviano, despite his constant danger, finds solace in reflecting on the life he left behind, as demonstrated by his poignant recollections of his late aunt's funeral.
- As a celebrity, Saviano is frequently associated with entertainment, yet his work and life are inseparable, with books like "Gomorrah" significantly impacting community policy, particularly in Naples.
