Life on Lockdown: Roberto Saviano's Struggle Under Police Protection
By Andrea Affaticati, Milan
Roberto Saviano endures living under protective measures, confined due to threats from the criminal underworld.
In an exclusive interview with an Italian newspaper, author Roberto Saviano, the Neapolitan known for his groundbreaking book "Gomorrah," opens up about the emotional toll of living under police protection for 20 years.
"It's crossed my mind a few times," Saviano confesses to Aldo Cazzullo of the daily "Corriere della Sera." To understand what this lifestyle demands, one must have experienced it. Saviano, now 44, is a native of Naples and first gained international recognition in 2006 with his reportage and documentary book on the Camorra, the Neapolitan mafia. His work exposed the inner workings of the criminal organization, making him a target.
At just 26, Saviano was warned by Camorra boss Francesco Bidognetti, also known as Cicciotto di Mezzanotte, and his lawyer that he would be dead within five years. Since then, he has lived under police protection, with a trial against the mafia boss ongoing for 16 years and still unresolved.
A Haunting Past
Beyond the Camorristi hoping for his demise, Saviano faces criticism from ordinary Neapolitans who view his portrayal of Naples as inaccurate. However, his book contributed to drawing attention to criminal activities and paved the way for positive changes. For example, some neighborhoods are now safer due to his courage.
Politicians have co-opted Saviano over the years. The left-wing parties support him, while his name sends shivers down the spines of right-wing politicians. Matteo Salvini, Italy's national-populist deputy prime minister, would gladly remove his police protection. Saviano is also questioned about why he has enjoyed protection for so long without facing any direct harm.
Facing the Fatwa with Salman Rushdie
Recalling his friendship with Salman Rushdie, who received a fatwa for his 1988 book "The Satanic Verses," Saviano notes the irony in how Rushdie now feels relieved, as the fatwa can no longer be dismissed as a mere stunt following a stabbing attack that left him injured and blind in one eye.
For Saviano, living under police protection means two things: constant questioning of his actions and a persistent struggle to regain freedom. His anxiety is heightened at 5 a.m., as he grapples with feelings of despair over the danger he faces and the life he could have had.
Panic, Loneliness, and Exhaustion
Constantly vulnerable to panic attacks, Saviano relies on medication to manage his distress. The isolation is overwhelming, especially during holidays, when friends and family are out enjoying themselves while he stays at home. Both romantic relationships and friendships suffer due to the restrictive nature of his life under protection.
Despite these challenges, Saviano remains hopeful but unsure about the future. He reflects on an anecdote with Philip Roth, who once told him, "I'd never be jealous of a shitty life like yours." While Saviano might yearn for a different life, he continues to see the value in his work and the impact it has on exposing organized crime.
- Mafia
- Camorra
- Roberto Saviano
Enrichment Data:
Roberto Saviano's life under police protection comes with substantial personal and emotional costs. These include:
Impact on Personal Life:
- Limited Mobility: Constant security measures restrict travel and social interactions, limiting personal freedom.
- Fear and Insecurity: Living in fear of imminent danger can lead to anxiety and stress.
Impact on Relationships:
- Isolation: Friendships and romantic relationships often suffer due to limited social interactions.
- Intimacy Issues: Living under constant security measures can hinder the formation of deep, meaningful connections.
Impact on Mental Health:
- Anxiety and Depression: Fear, isolation, and the inability to maintain a normal life can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Continuous exposure to a threatening situation can lead to symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks and heightened arousal.
Saviano's courage in exposing organized crime and his willingness to face the risks demonstrate his commitment to justice, but his struggles with anxiety, loneliness, and isolation serve as a reminder of the emotional toll of living under constant threat.
- Roberto Saviano, the subject of community and employment policies due to his life under police protection, confesses the emotional impact of his lifestyle.
- At 26, Saviano received a warning from Camorra boss Francesco Bidognetti, setting the stage for his life under police protection.
- Despite criticism from ordinary Neapolitans, Saviano's work has contributed to positive changes, such as making certain neighborhoods safer.
- Saviano's name sends shivers down the spines of right-wing politicians, while left-wing parties support him.
- Matteo Salvini, Italy's deputy prime minister, would like to remove Saviano's police protection.
- Comparing his circumstances to Salman Rushdie, who received a fatwa, Saviano faces a persistent struggle to regain freedom.
- Living under police protection, Saviano experiences constant questioning of his actions and feelings of despair.
- Panic attacks and isolation are common challenges for Saviano, particularly during holidays.
- Both romantic relationships and friendships suffer due to the restrictive nature of Saviano's life under protection.
- Saviano remains hopeful but unsure about the future, reflecting on an anecdote with Philip Roth about the value of his work.
- The life under police protection comes with substantial personal and emotional costs, such as limited mobility and fear and insecurity.
- Isolation and intimacy issues are common among those living under protective measures, leading to strained relationships.
- Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues can arise from the constant threat and inability to maintain a normal life.
- The impact of Saviano's work on exposing organized crime is evident, but his struggles with anxiety, loneliness, and isolation serve as a reminder of the emotional toll.
- Employment policy, education-and-self-development, personal-growth, mindfulness, and lifelong-learning resources can help individuals navigate challenging situations like Saviano's.
- Learning new skills through sports, football, sports-betting, and online-education can provide coping mechanisms and a sense of control in difficult times.
