Living in the Shadows: Roberto Saviano and the Weight of a Mobster's Wrath
Roberto Saviano resides in a secured fashion, akin to being confined within a cage, due to threats from the Neapolitan Camorra.
By Andrea Affaticati, Milan
In a candid interview with the Italian daily "Corriere della Sera", investigative journalist Roberto Saviano admits that the constant danger he faces due to his life-long police protection has led him to contemplate taking his own life. For two decades, Saviano, a native Neapolitan and author of the internationally acclaimed exposé "Gomorrah", has been a target for the Neapolitan mafia, the Camorra.
"It's not a life, really," Saviano says, "You can't go out, you can't move freely, and you're always looking over your shoulder."
Saviano's book, published in 2006, described the structure and activities of the Camorra, gaining international attention and putting him squarely in the crosshairs of the mafia. Camorra boss Francesco Bidognetti, also known as Cicciotto di Mezzanotte, and his lawyer made it clear to Saviano that he would be dead within five years. Despite the ongoing trial against Bidognetti that is now in its sixteenth year, Saviano continues to live under the constant threat of violence.
Caught between Scorn and Danger
While the Camorristi who wish him dead see him as a traitor to Naples, ordinary Neapolitans often view him as a hero for shedding light on the criminal activities that have plagued their city. His book, unfortunately, has also made it easier for them to ignore the positive changes he brought about. The removal of the Camorra from some Neapolitan neighborhoods is often overlooked, its significance overshadowed by the negative image of Naples that "Gomorrah" painted.
Roberto Saviano is one of the intellectuals who has been embraced by politics, regardless of his political leanings. The left sees him as an ally, while the right views him with suspicion. National-populist Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini would love to withdraw his police protection. Saviano is also faced with the question of why he has had police protection for decades without any real incidents.
Living in the Shadows: A Price to Pay
As Salman Rushdie, an Indo-British writer with whom Saviano is close friends, can attest, living with a DEATH FATWA carries its own set of challenges. In 1988, Rushdie's book "The Satanic Verses" earned him such a fatwa, making him a target for Muslims worldwide. A multi-million-dollar bounty was placed on his head, and he was forced to live in hiding for many years. Yet, at some point, Rushdie decided to take on the danger and live freely again. That was until the summer of 2022, when he was seriously injured in a stabbing attack and lost an eye. "The irony is that Rushdie now feels relieved," Saviano points out. "No one can claim that the fatwa is just a spectacle anymore."
Modern-day captivity, such as that faced by Saviano, comes with its own set of burdens. "On one hand, I'm criticized for exaggerating the danger and seeking attention," Saviano states. "On the other hand, I constantly ask myself how I can free myself from this captivity."
The True Cost of Courage
Saviano's ongoing struggle with the mafia has had profound effects on his mental health, as well. Constantly attuned to potential danger, the author grapples with depression, anxiety, and survivor's guilt. The fear of being targeted never fades, leaving him in a state of near-constant vigilance. The psychological toll is compounded by a deadly loneliness, as his personal relationships are affected by the restrictions on his mobility and the fear of being compromised.
Love, in particular, seems impossible. "Even when I find someone who genuinely loves me, the relationship is damaged from the start. Freedom is essential for love, and I don't have it," Saviano says.
As Saviano struggles to find a way to break free from the captivity that his courage has wrought, he grapples with the question of whether he has made a mistake. The haunting thought of a wasted life looms large, accompanied by a deep sense of isolation.
But there are moments of hope. "I once took a selfie with Philip Roth, and he said to me: 'I would never be jealous of a shitty life like yours.' That was a rare moment of camaraderie and understanding, a reminder that even those who live ordinary lives have trials of their own," Saviano recalls.
In the end, Roberto Saviano continues to hide from the mafia, wondering if the sacrifices he has made were worth it. As he grapples with the shadows of his past and the oppressive weight of an uncertain future, he remains defiant, a symbol of the struggle against organized crime and the cost of defying its power.
Sources:
- ntv.de
- enemieslist.org
- theguardian.com
Italy* Mafia* Camorra* Salvatore Riina* Sicilian Mafia* Tony Soprano* Havana Syndrome
- Roberto Saviano's employment policy is one that requires constant protection from the police due to threats from the Neapolitan mafia.
- Despite the danger he faces daily, Saviano's lifestyle often puts him in the crosshairs of both the left and right politically, creating a unique form of social isolation.
- Saviano's anecdote about Philip Roth, a celebrated author, serves as a rare moment of camaraderie, offering a glimmer of hope amidst his ongoing struggle.
- The continuous risking of his life has led to a deep sense of depression, anxiety, and survivor's guilt for Saviano, causing substantial mental health challenges.
- The fashion-and-beauty, entertainment, and celebrity world, often intertwined with pop- culture, may seem far removed from Saviano's Neapolitan reality, but they offer an inspiring contrast to the violent neighborhoods he seeks to reform.
- Books, including those written by Salman Rushdie, serve as powerful reminders of the challenges faced by those who dare to challenge organized crime and shed light on the shadows of societies worldwide.
