Roberto Saviano: A Life of Danger and Solitude
Roberto Saviano is essentially confined, living under constant surveillance due to threats from the Mafia.
Writer Roberto Saviano openly admits that questions of regret have crossed his mind after 20 years of living under police protection. The threat against his life started after he published his exposé on the Neapolitan mafia, "Gomorrah," in 2006, making him an international sensation.
Born and raised in Naples, the 44-year-old author describes the harsh realities of the Camorra, the Neapolitan mafia, twisting its dark structure and activities. This bold move earned him the wrath of notorious Camorra boss Francesco Bidognetti, also known as Cicciotto di Mezzanotte, and his lawyer, who warned Saviano that he would be dead within five years.
Gomorrah and the City They Call Home
The people of Naples, both the Camorristi out for revenge and the ordinary citizens, hold varied opinions concerning Saviano and his depiction of their city in "Gomorrah." While many throughout the criminal underworld see him as an enemy to be silenced, some local residents appreciate his honest portrayal that shed light on the criminal activities and helped clean up some of the city's neighborhoods. Despite the positive impact, his courage in exposing the Camorra has made him a controversial figure.
Politicians on both sides of the spectrum, ranging from the left to the national-populist right, see Saviano as a pawn in their games. The deputy prime minister, Matteo Salvini, has publicly expressed his desire to revoke Saviano's police protection. Yet, he continually faces skepticism for his ongoing, decades-long protection without any designated attacks.
Parallels with Salman Rushdie
Saviano draws a parallel between his own situation and that of Indian-British writer Salman Rushdie. After publishing "The Satanic Verses" in 1988, Rushdie found himself the target of a fatwa, facing threats worldwide. Living in hiding under police protection for years, Rushdie eventually decided to live a normal life again. However, in 2022, he suffered a serious stabbing attack, losing an eye. Today, Rushdie feels a sense of relief as the validity of the fatwa can no longer be dismissed as a mere spectacle.
The Price of Protected Freedom
For Saviano, life under police protection entails a constant battle between being seen as a sensationalizer and breaking free from his burden of imprisonment. Since 2006, he has moved away from Italy due to safety concerns. The constant fear, medication to deal with panic attacks, loneliness, and the inability to maintain normal relationships take a heavy toll on his emotional state.
When asked if he ever feels envious of the average person, Saviano recalls an interaction with Philip Roth, who told him he'd never be jealous of a life like his. He acknowledges that he would rather have led a different life, but remains perplexed about whether he has wasted his time. The answer remains elusive as he continues to grapple with these thoughts.
- Italy
- Mafia
- Italian Mafia
Sources:
- ntv.de
Insights:
- Lack of freedom and constant fear can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and stress.
- The author's work has had a significant impact on pushing for changes in Naples, making some neighborhoods safer for the residents.
- Being a public figure can bring both positive and negative consequences, including earning support from advocates and skepticism from critics.
- Despite living under protection due to threats from the Italian Mafia, Roberto Saviano ponders the price of his protected freedom, as he grapples with feelings of envy towards a normal life and questions about the significance of his work.
- In "Gomorrah," Saviano exposes the harsh realities of the Neapolitan mafia, making him both a controversial figure and an object of admiration among some residents of Naples.
- Italy's community and employment policies have been called into question due to Roberto Saviano's long-term protection, with some politicians viewing him as a pawn in their games.
- In light of the ongoing threats he faces, Saviano has lived in exile from Italy and has struggled to maintain normal relationships while dealing with panic attacks and loneliness.
