Living under constant security, akin to being imprisoned within a fortress, is the life of author Roberto Saviano.

Roberto Saviano: A Life on the Edge, Trapped by His Own Fame

Living in a confined state akin to a cage: Roberto Saviano

By Andrea Affaticati, Milan

Roberto Saviano, the author best known for his explosive book "Gomorrah," has found himself trapped in a life of constant danger. In a candid interview with an Italian newspaper, he shares his struggles and thoughts about his choices made years ago.

"Sure, I've pondered it a time or two," confesses Italian author Roberto Saviano in an interview with "Corriere della Sera." For the past two decades, he has been under constant police protection, a reality that few can truly grasp unless they've experienced it themselves.

Born and raised in Naples, Saviano is now 44 years old. In 2006, he gained worldwide attention with his investigative reportage and documentary book "Gomorrah." The book shed light on the Camorra, the Neapolitan mafia, and inadvertently placed himself in their crosshairs.

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The Camorra gang's top boss, Francesco Bidognetti (also known as Cicciotto di Mezzanotte), and his lawyer made it clear that Saviano would not survive beyond five years. At the time, he was just 26 years old, and his life changed when he was granted police protection. The trial against the Camorra boss has been ongoing for 16 years and is still unresolved.

Saviano opens up to the interviewer Aldo Cazzullo about the guilt he feels towards his family. He recounts the funeral of a beloved aunt who recently passed away: "The truth is, it wasn't a funeral. No one was at the cemetery. My parents had to relocate from Caserta (a town near Naples, editor's note) as early as 2006. They were forced to leave because of me."

Is the Danger Real or Staged?

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Apart from those in the Camorra who wish him dead, there are also ordinary Neapolitans who cannot forgive Saviano for his portrayal of Naples in "Gomorrah." He revealed the city in all its criminal glory, contributing to drawing attention to these lawless activities and ultimately bringing about positive changes. Today, some neighborhoods are safer than before thanks to Saviano's bravery. The people of Naples no longer want the Camorra.

The author tends to be affiliated with intellectual circles that have been co-opted by politics. The left continues to champion him, while the right react strongly to his name. Vice-Premier Matteo Salvini, Minister of Infrastructure and Lega party leader, would love to end his police protection. Saviano also grapples with questions about why he has had police protection for decades without any incidents thus far.

Mirroring Salman Rushdie

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In the interview, Saviano brings up the Indian-British writer Salman Rushdie, whose longstanding friendship with him is well-known. His book "The Satanic Verses" from 1988 led to a fatwa against him, making him a target for Muslims worldwide. A large bounty has been placed on his head, and he has lived in hiding for many years.

"At some point, he decided to defy the danger and reclaim his freedom," Saviano notes. "This approach worked to some extent, until the summer of 2022, when Rushdie was critically injured in a stabbing attack and lost an eye. 'The irony is that Rushdie now feels relieved,' Saviano explains. 'No one can deny the authenticity of the fatwa anymore.'"

Living under this level of protection comes with two main challenges for Saviano: "On the one hand, it means being criticized for exaggerating the danger or seeking attention. On the other, it's constantly questioning how to break free from this self-imposed imprisonment."

Panic Attacks and Exhaustion

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When asked if he experiences panic attacks, Saviano replies, "All the time. I wouldn't be able to cope without medication. The early hours of the morning are the worst. The anxiety peaks, making it hard to breathe. You start wondering, 'What now? Where do I go? I'm risking my life, and yet I'm still alive.'"

And then there's loneliness. Saviano recounts his last holiday over Easter. Family and friends opted to spend the holiday with him until 7 PM, but they departed for Naples and returned at 4 AM. "I'm overjoyed for them, yet I had to spend the evening alone," Saviano admits.

Limited mobility also affects romantic relationships, according to Saviano: "Romantic relationships are challenging, especially when both parties are smitten. Love requires freedom, and that's something I don't have."

Confessions of a Writer on the RunWhen asked if he feels envious of others, Saviano shares a story: "Once I took a selfie with Philip Roth, and he turned to me and said, 'I would never envy a crappy life like yours.'"

Saviano goes on to admit that he, too, grapples with the desire for a different life, a life free from fear and threats. However, he admits that he hasn't found the answer to the question of whether his choices were right. And he continues to question himself, seemingly trapped in this cycle of self-doubt.

Source: ntv.de

Italy
Mafia
Organized Crime

Enrichment Data:Roberto Saviano, an Italian author, has faced significant threats from organized crime due to his exposé on the Neapolitan mafia organization Camorra. As a result, he has been under constant police protection for two decades, making it challenging to lead a normal life. This level of security restricts his freedom to move freely, limits his privacy, and can even affect his mental health due to the stress and fear of potential violence. Saviano's dedication to his work as an author and public figure has provided a sense of purpose and helped maintain a connection with society, but he continues to struggle with questions about his choices and feelings of loneliness caused by his limited mobility.

Roberto Saviano, living under constant police protection for two decades due to his investigative book "Gomorrah," confesses he has pondered the consequences of his choices.
Aside from the Camorra who wish him dead, ordinary Neapolitans are divided by his portrayal of the city in "Gomorrah."
The vice-premier, Matteo Salvini, desires to end Saviano's police protection, placing him in the crosshairs of political affiliations.
The author finds comparison with Salman Rushdie, whose life was similarly targeted as a result of his book "The Satanic Verses."
Living under such protection, Saviano faces constant criticism for exaggerating the danger or seeking attention.
The author admits to experiencing panic attacks and feelings of loneliness due to his limited mobility.
Freedom and privacy are luxuries Saviano can no longer take for granted as a result of his choices.
Emotionally, Saviano recounts moments of envy for those living a life free from the fear and threats he faces.
Despite his struggles, Saviano's dedication to his work as an author and public figure keeps him connected to society.
Professional circles for Saviano are often infiltrated by political factions.
Sports betting and the gambling industry have become new platforms for organized crime for some, raising concerns about responsible gambling.
The neighborhoods of Naples, once marked by criminal activities, have begun to see improvements thanks to Saviano's bravery, resembling a transformation from fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden magazines to books about crime-and-justice and general-news in the metaphorical sense.