Italy: Author threatened with death
Published: October 23, 2008
English PEN is extremely concerned by reports that members of the mafia in Italy denounced in Roberto Saviano's novel Gomorra, have reportedly announced he will be assassinated by Christmas. Saviano has told the press that he is leaving Italy as a consequence. For the last two years, he has been living under permanent police protection.
We were appalled by news of the threats to the life of Italian author Roberto Saviano which have arisen following the publication of his novel, Gomorra, in which he draws upon his research into the Neapolitan mafia. Threats to his life have apparently increased since the recent launch of a feature film based on the book.
Saviano is one of many writers worldwide who, by merely speaking out and describing the world around them, are put into enormous danger. This year alone, 31 writers and journalists have been murdered in the course of their profession. English PEN urges all governments to take measures to protect them, and to bring those who use threat and murder as a means of censorship to justice.
A petition hosted by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica's website, for which Saviano been a contributor, has been launched and already has over 200, 000 signatures. PEN members are encouraged to join the petition by following the link below:
http://www.repubblica.it/speciale/2008/appelli/saviano2/index.html
English PEN recommends the following links with information on this case:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/oct/16/italy-mafia
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jan/14/italy.crimebooks
For Roberto Saviano's website: http://www.robertosaviano.it/
To read Alison Flood's article, 'Ian McEwan condemns 'thuggery' of Neopolitan mafia, published 24 October 2008, please click here.