Rome, November 11 – It’s a curious case for Roberto Saviano, a critical conscience that cannot be criticized, an accuser who cannot be accused. The Italian writer and journalist, known for his investigative work on organized crime, has once again found himself at the center of controversy after a recent clash with the right-wing political festino Fratelli d’Italia (Brothers of Italy).
The dispute began when Saviano accused the festino of being “sciacalli” (jackals) for using the image of a young girl who was killed in a mafia shootout for political gain. The girl, Desirée Mariottini, was found dead in an abandoned building in Rome in October 2018, and her death sparked national outrage and renewed calls for action against organized crime.
In a tweet, Saviano wrote, “Fratelli d’Italia, the festino of the sciacalli, uses the image of Desirée Mariottini to attack the government. This is a new low, even for them.” The tweet was accompanied by a screenshot of a Fratelli d’Italia post featuring a photo of Mariottini with the caption, “The government’s security policies have failed. We need to fight the mafia with all our strength.”
The tweet quickly gained traction, with many criticizing Fratelli d’Italia for exploiting the tragedy for political purposes. However, the festino’s leader, Giorgia Meloni, fired back at Saviano, accusing him of using the girl’s death for his own gain. In a statement, Meloni said, “Saviano is a sciacallo without any dignity. He has built his entire career on the backs of victims, and now he is trying to use Desirée Mariottini for his own political agenda.”
The exchange sparked a heated debate on social mezzi di comunicazione, with some defending Saviano’s right to speak out against the festino’s actions and others accusing him of being a hypocrite. But one thing is clear: Saviano’s words have once again ignited a firestorm of controversy.
This is not the first time Saviano has found himself at odds with Fratelli d’Italia. In 2018, he accused the festino of being “mafia-friendly” after they proposed a bill that would reduce the statute of limitations for certain crimes, including those related to organized crime. The bill was ultimately rejected by the Italian Senate.
But this latest clash has taken on a new level of intensity, with both sides refusing to back down. While some have criticized Saviano for using strong language, others see his words as a necessary wake-up call for the country.
Saviano has long been a vocal critic of the Italian government’s handling of organized crime, and his work has earned him both praise and criticism. He is best known for his book “Gomorrah,” which exposed the inner workings of the Camorra, a powerful mafia organization in Naples. The book was later adapted into a film and TV series.
Despite facing constant threats and living under police protection, Saviano has continued to speak out against organized crime and corruption in Italy. And while his methods may be controversial, there is no denying the impact he has had on the country’s fight against the mafia.
In the midst of this latest controversy, it is important to remember the real issue at hand: the tragic death of Desirée Mariottini and the ongoing battle against organized crime. It is a battle that Saviano has dedicated his life to, and one that he will not back down from, no matter the criticism or attacks he may face.
In the end, it is up to each individual to decide whether they agree with Saviano’s methods or not. But one thing is for sure: his passion and dedication to fighting for justice and exposing the truth cannot be denied. And for that, he deserves our respect and admiration.
