Camorra convictions for threats to Saviano and Capacchione upheld on appeal

Rome – The Rome Court of Appeal has upheld the convictions of Francesco Bidognetti, longtime leader of the Casalesi clan, and lawyer Michele Santonastaso, who were found guilty of making threats aggravated by mafia methods against the writer Roberto Saviano and the journalist Rosaria Capacchione.

The judges maintained the sentences already imposed in the first instance: one year and six months for Bidognetti and one year and two months for Santonastaso.

The threats date back to 2008, during the “Spartacus” appeal trial in Naples, when the two publicly intimidated Saviano and Capacchione, then a journalist for Il Mattino, for their investigations into the Camorra.

Saviano: "They stole my life."

As the sentence was read, a visibly moved Saviano embraced his lawyer, Antonio Nobile, as applause erupted from the courtroom. "They stole my life," commented the writer, who for years had been forced to live under police protection due to constant threats from the Camorra.

Today's case is the latest in a nearly 17-year legal battle, confirming the severity of the intimidation suffered by Saviano and Capacchione, who have become symbols of resistance to the Camorra.

Rosaria Capacchione commented: "This ruling reaffirms that mafia threats will not go unpunished, even if it comes too late. Justice is slow, but it arrives."

Several voices expressed solidarity: Anti-mafia associations emphasized that "Saviano and Capacchione's tenacity is an example for everyone." Now the case is in the Court of Cassation's court's court.