Tortured by Survival: Roberto Saviano's Life under Mafia Threat
Roberto Saviano resides under protective measures, confined due to threats against his life.
Italian author Roberto Saviano, famous for his exposé on the Neapolitan mafia, lives under police protection - a reality only the blighted can truly understand. In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Saviano candidly shares the guilt he carries and the thoughts of leaving it all behind.
Now 44, Saviano shot to fame in 2006 with his book "Gomorrah," detailing the Camorra, the Neapolitan mafia. This bold move earned him the ire of notorious boss Francesco Bidognetti, who vowed to end his life within five years. With police protection since his 26th birthday, Saviano continues to bear the weight of an ongoing 16-year trial.
Books "Women in the Mafia," by Roberto Saviano: Unveiling Cruel Violence and Brutal Control The Neapolitan's struggle is not only with the camorristi who seek his death but with Neapolitans who resent his portrayal of their city. However, the book's contributions to combatting criminal activities and creating safer neighborhoods are often overlooked.
Reality or Spectacle: Facing the challenge of acceptance
Beyond his camorristi adversaries, Saviano's work has earned him a place among intellectuals, stirring controversy across the political spectrum. National-populist deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini has sought to withdraw his police protection. As the question of his prolonged protection without any direct harm arises, some argue that Saviano's accounts may be overdramatized for attention.
Mirror Reflections: Salman Rushdie's Perseverance
In the interview, Saviano draws parallels with Indian-British author Salman Rushdie, another high-profile figure targeted by a fatwa. After years spent in hiding and under police protection, Rushdie chose to live freely again, albeit briefly. Until a 2022 stabbing attack left him injured and blind in one eye.
"Rushdie now finds relief," Saviano notes, "as no one can claim the fatwa is merely a spectacle anymore." Such an incident resonates with Saviano's own fears and uncertainties about the authenticity of the threats against him.
Perpetual Panic: Battling Fear and Loneliness
Living under police protection forces Saviano to confront not only criticism over his perceived exaggeration of the danger but also the struggle to break free from the suffocating bondage. Residing in a constant state of fear takes its toll on his mental health, causing frequent panic attacks. Medication offers some respite, but the weight of his imposed isolation consumes him.
"At 5 a.m., I can't breathe," Saviano confides, "I wonder what's next. I feel crushed by two burdens—one for risking my life, the other for still being alive."
Love Lost: The bittersweet agony of solitude
Beyond the fear and isolation, Saviano's life is also affected by his restricted mobility. Forging personal connections is challenging, particularly when it comes to love.
"Love demands freedom," he admits, "and that freedom I don't have." This sacrifice has taken its toll on his relationships, leaving him yearning for a life he cannot have.
Friendships, too, suffer during his struggles. Even during holidays like Easter, he is forced to celebrate alone, while family and friends dine and celebrate in freedom.
A Curse or a Blessing: Saviano on Envy and Regrets
When asked if he envies others, Saviano shares an anecdote with Nobel laureate Philip Roth: "He once took a selfie with me, and I said, 'I would never be jealous of a shitty life like yours,'" a sentiment that undoubtedly speaks to the complexity of Saviano's experiences.
Though he acknowledges the strife he has faced, he cannot help but question if it has been worth it, if he has wasted his life. The answer, for now, remains elusive, a heavy burden he continues to bear.
Source(s): ntv.de
- Italy
- Mafia
- Italian Mafia
Enrichment Data:The impact of constant police protection on the mental health and personal life of an individual, such as author Roberto Saviano, can be significant. This is supported by general effects of long-term protection and isolation:
- Loneliness and Isolation: Being under constant protection often leads to feelings of loneliness and detachment from family and friends, exacerbating emotional isolation.
- Mental Health Strains: The psychological strain of living with constant threats can contribute to anxiety, depression, and feelings of vulnerability.
- Limited Personal Freedom: Constant police protection restricts personal freedom, making everyday activities challenging and potentially causing frustration and resentment.
- Impact on Personal Life: The need for constant protection disrupts normal life routines, affecting personal relationships and the ability to engage in spontaneous activities without fear.
- Roberto Saviano's constant police protection, a result of his exposés on the Italian Mafia, has significant implications on his mental health and personal life, leading to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and emotional distress.
- The psychological strain of living under constant threats from Mafia figures has contributed to Saviano's anxiety, depression, and feelings of vulnerability.
- The limitation of personal freedom due to Saviano's police protection restricts his ability to engage in everyday activities without fear, causing frustration and resentment.
- The need for constant protection has disrupted Saviano's normal life routines, affecting his personal relationships and curtailing his ability to engage in spontaneous activities.
- Beyond the physical threats, Saviano's restricted mobility makes forging personal connections, particularly romantic ones, exceptionally challenging.
- The enforced solitude and isolation has taken a toll on Saviano's relationships, leaving him yearning for a life of freedom and personal connections that he cannot have.
