Living Under the Shadow: Roberto Saviano's Relentless Struggle for Freedom
Roberto Saviano faces restricted movements due to ongoing threats and protection measures.
By Andrea Affaticati, Milan
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The man who dared to expose the dark underbelly of Naples lives as a prisoner, guarded by the state. In an honest conversation with an Italian daily, Roberto Saviano reveals the bitter reality of his life under constant danger.
"I've often pondered ending my life," admits the controversial author in an interview with "Corriere della Sera." For 20 long years, he's been entrusted to the protective custody of the police, a life that only the initiated can understand.
A native Neapolitan, Saviano is now 44 years old. His 2006 masterpiece "Gomorrah" brought him international fame. The book painted a vivid portrait of the Camorra, the Neapolitan mafia, and marked the beginning of a life threatened by the very forces he brought to light.
The Priceless Bounty on His Head
Above all, Camorra boss Francesco Bidognetti - aka Cicciotto di Mezzanotte - and his lawyer made him aware that he was doomed to die within five years. At the time, Saviano was just 26 years old, and he received police protection. The trial against the mafia boss has been underway for 16 grueling years and is yet to draw to a close.
Saviano shares his guilt towards his family with his interviewer Aldo Cazzullo. He recalls the recent funeral of his beloved aunt: "In a sense, it wasn't even a funeral. There was nobody at the cemetery. My parents were forced to move to northern Italy as early as 2006. All because of me. Yet they never truly found a home there."
A City at War with its Own
While the Camorristi who yearn for his death lurk in the shadows, there are ordinary Neapolitans who cannot forgive Saviano for his portrayal of their city in "Gomorrah." That he painted Naples as it really was, and that his book played a significant role in shedding light on these nefarious activities and prompting positive change, is rarely recognized. The simple fact that one can now move safely in certain Neapolitan neighborhoods is, in large part, due to Saviano's fortitude. The people no longer want the Camorristi.
The author belongs to the group of intellectuals co-opted by politics. The left carries him on their shoulders, while the right trembles at the sound of his name. The national-populist Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, Minister of Infrastructure and Lega leader, desires nothing more than to withdraw his police protection. Saviano confronts himself with the question of why he's enjoyed police protection for decades without a single mishap.
The Struggle of a Bygone Era
In the interview, Saviano references the Indian-British writer Salman Rushdie, with whom he shares a long-standing friendship. Rushdie's 1988 book "The Satanic Verses" earned him a fatwa, placing a multi-million-dollar bounty on his head. Rushdie received police protection and lived in seclusion for many years.
Sometimes he made the bold decision to live freely and normally again. His newfound freedom held for a while, until the summer of 2022, when Rushdie was viciously stabbed, losing an eye. "The irony is that Rushdie now feels relieved," Saviano points out. "No more can they claim that the fatwa was just a spectacle."
Living under protective custody means two things for Saviano: "On the one hand, being labeled a sensationalist and attention-seeker. On the other hand, constantly questioning whether I can break free from this incarceration."
The Unseen Horrors
When asked if he suffers from panic attacks, Saviano replies: "Constantly. I couldn't bear it without sedatives. The hour of 5 am is my darkest moment. You feel as if you can't breathe. You're left wondering, 'What now? Where do I go?' I'm crushed by two burdens. One, because I'm risking my life. The other, because I'm still alive."
And then there's loneliness. Saviano discusses his recent Easter holidays. On Easter evening, his loved ones kept him company until 7 pm, but then they left and enjoyed themselves until 4 am in Naples. He's happy for them, Saviano says, but he had to stay at home.
Whether it's friendships or romantic relationships, both are affected by his restricted mobility. "Especially when it comes to love," Saviano says. "True love requires freedom, and that freedom I don't have."
Living under a constant threat, questioning whether the sacrifices he's made are worthwhile, and yearning for the freedom to love - these are the unseen horrors of Roberto Saviano's life.
"I once took a selfie with Philip Roth and he told me, 'I would never be jealous of a shitty life like yours,'" Saviano concludes, understanding the sentiment completely. He would've longed for a different life, a life without threats and constant fear. A life where he didn't have to question the value of his sacrifices. A life where he could love freely.
Source: ntv.de
- Italy
- Mafia
- Italian Mafia
- Safety
- Threats
- Loneliness
- Freedom
- Romantic Relationships
Enrichment Data:
Roberto Saviano, a renowned Italian author, lives under the constant protection of the Italian police due to severe threats from the Neapolitan mafia. This predicament has long-term consequences and challenges on his life, work, and relationships.
Overview of Challenges
- Restricted Freedom: Living under constant protection significantly limits Saviano's personal freedom. This can restrict his ability to move freely and engage in everyday activities without fear of being targeted.
- Psychological Impact: The constant threat to his life and the need for protection can have a significant psychological impact, including stress, anxiety, and potential isolation from family and friends.
- Impact on Work: While Saviano's work continues to be influential, the circumstances under which he lives can influence his writing and public engagement, with the focus on exposing mafia crimes serving as both a motivation and a burden.
- Relationship Challenges: Both romantic relationships and friendships can be affected by Saviano's limited mobility and the need for constant protection, as true love often requires freedom, which he does not have.
- Continued Threats and Dangers: The mafia's threats are ongoing, and there is always a risk of an attack despite the protection. The vigilance and precautions required to maintain safety can be a constant strain.
- Legal and Institutional Challenges: The Italian legal system and institutions face challenges in effectively combating organized crime. Saviano's situation highlights the need for stronger legal frameworks and more effective law enforcement actions against the mafia.
The challenges Saviano faces underscore the broader difficulties faced by those who speak out against organized crime in Italy and the need for robust support systems to protect them.
- Despite his international fame, Roberto Saviano is forever bound to the constant scrutiny and danger of his community policy.
- The employment policy assigned to him has been a constant presence for 20 years, a life he shares only with the initiated.
- In an interview, Saviano revealed the bitter reality of his life under constant danger, admitting he has contemplated suicide.
- As a native Neapolitan, Saviano's 2006 masterpiece "Gomorrah" brought him global recognition but also marked a life endangered by the Camorra.
- Camorra boss Francesco Bidognetti placed a sentence of death on Saviano's head, acknowledging he would die within five years.
- Saviano shares his guilt towards his family, who were forced to move due to his work and never truly found a home.
- Ordinary Neapolitans often criticize Saviano for his portrayal of their city in "Gomorrah," but it's his work that has led to safer neighborhoods.
- The left-leaning politicos champion Saviano, while the right-wing politicians tremble at his name.
- Matteo Salvini, the national-populist Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure, seeks to withdraw Saviano's police protection.
- Saviano wonders why he's enjoyed police protection for decades without a single mishap, questioning if he can break free from this incarceration.
- Salman Rushdie, an Indian-British writer, faced a similar situation with a fatwa on his head and years of police protection and seclusion.
- Rushdie felt relieved when his attacker claimed the fatwa was just a spectacle, knowing his circumstances were not a performance.
- Living under protective custody can label Saviano as a sensationalist and attention-seeker while constantly questioning whether he can break free.
- The hour of 5 am is his darkest moment, when he feels as if he can't breathe and wonders what lies ahead.
- Saviano suffers from constant panic attacks and requires sedatives to cope.
- Saviano often feels lonely during his holidays, when his loved ones can engage in activities that he is unable to participate in due to his circumstances.
- Whether it's friendship or romantic relationships, both are affected by his restricted mobility.
- Love needs freedom, and that freedom Saviano does not have, making it challenging to maintain relationships.
- Living under a constant threat, questioning if the sacrifices he's made are worthwhile, and longing for the freedom to love are the unseen horrors of Saviano's life.
- Philip Roth, a renowned author, once told Saviano he would never be jealous of a "shitty life like yours."
- Saviano acknowledges Roth's sentiment, as he would have longed for a different life without threats and constant fear.
- A life of danger and restricted freedom has a profound impact on Saviano's work, shaping his focus on exposing mafia crimes.
- Saviano's limited mobility can impact his writing and public engagement, making it difficult to maintain his influence without putting himself in danger.
- In a city at war with itself, ordinary Neapolitans simultaneously curse and thank Saviano for his work in shedding light on the nefarious activities of the Camorra.
- Savianono longer feels safe even in Naples, necessitating constant police protection.
- The Italian legal system and institutions face significant challenges in effectively combating organized crime, as demonstrated by Saviano's ongoing situation.
- The lack of strong legal frameworks and effective law enforcement actions leaves many exposed to threats from organized crime groups.
- Saviano's situation underscores the need for better protection and support systems for those who stand up against organized crime in Italy.
- Saviano's struggle mirrors that of other Italian mafia whistleblowers, who have faced similar challenges in their efforts to expose and combat organized crime.
- The Italian government should invest in programs and initiatives to protect and support those like Saviano, ensuring they can continue their essential work with the safety they deserve.
