Guarded by angels

Acclaimed author, Roberto Saviano, who was forced into hiding after publishing his bestseller, Gomorrah, explains what it is like to live under 24 hour police protection.

Saviano reflects on writing his book and how it has changed his life

"It has been two years since I have been living under protection in Italy and my angels, as I affectionately refer to them, escort me everywhere.

They are a like a family to me and, above all, I have spent very important moments with them.

When I travel abroad, my angels stay in Italy, but everywhere I go, I have always found other ones who offer me their protection and deep humanity.

Everywhere you go, there is a natural suspicion towards those who choose to write for a profession.

Each team has their own professional way of dealing with matters and their own tastes depending on which country they are from.

The French team are elegant and they are used to anti-terrorist operations.

Saviano's 2006 best-seller has been translated into 33 languages.

The American ones have a lighter touch, are more discrete as if they do not wish to invade my privacy.

The Swedish are not familiar with being an anti-mafia escort, but are vigilant and terribly punctual.

The Spanish ones are also cautious.

And then there is a moment when each single escort goes:

'Hey, you are not a wimp as we thought you were!'

At first I used to be astonished by this. Then I understood that everywhere you go, there is a natural suspicion towards those who choose to write for a profession.

Strangely, I am used to it and find it funny now."

Watch Stephen Smith's Newsnight film on the Neapolitan mafia on BBC Two on Monday, 1 December, 2008 at 2230.