Anti-mafia Writer Saviano Launches New Book

| Wed, 04/10/2013 - 06:10

Italy’s most prominent anti-mafia campaigner, journalist Roberto Saviano has launched his latest book.

Called ‘Zero Zero Zero’, the book is about the international cocaine trade and cocaine addiction. He presented his latest work at the Feltrinelli bookshop on Via Appia Nuova in Rome.

Saviano launched ‘Zero Zero Zero’ alongside journalist and author Benedetta Tobagi, daughter of Walter Tobagi, a journalist on the Italian daily ‘Corriere della Sera’ who was murdered by Red Brigade terrorists in 1980 in Milan. The book launch was broadcast live on the internet. ‘Zero Zero Zero’ will be published in English by Penguin Books on 1 June 2014.

In 2006, Saviano came to fame after publishing his groundbreaking exposé of the mafia, ‘Gomorra’, which became a bestseller. ‘Gomorra’ relates the activities of the ruthless Casalesi clan that forms part of the Camorra criminal organisation based in Saviano’s native Campania. After death threats by the mafia and attempts on his life because he exposed how the Casalesi clan made hundreds of millions of euros annually by dumping waste illegally, the writer moved to live in a secret location and he has 24/7 police protection.

Italian director Matteo Garrone turned ‘Gomorra’ into a film in 2008. The movie won critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the prestigious Grand Prix at Cannes Film Festival.

Do not miss our interview to Matteo Garrone