LA PAZ, June 6, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Bolivian Justice Minister Cesar Siles on Thursday accused ex-president Evo Morales of "terrorism" for allegedly ordering his supporters to cut off supplies to La Paz following a ban on him contesting August elections.

Siles said the government had filed a complaint against Morales for "terrorism, public incitement to crime and attacks on the security of public services," among other crimes, over the campaign of road blockades that has paralyzed central Bolivia since Monday.

Supporters of Bolivia's 2006-2019 president began blocking roads leading to La Paz, the seat of government, over the electoral authorities' refusal to allow Morales to run for a fourth term in August 17 elections.

The protests have since snowballed into a wider revolt over President Luis Arce's handling of a deep economic crisis, marked by severe shortages of hard currency and fuel.

Many of the protesters have called on Arce, a former-ally-turned-foe of Morales, to resign.

A leaked audio message on Thursday appeared to show Morales calling on his supporters in the country's agricultural heartland to shut down two key roads leading to La Paz.

The government reported more than 40 blockades nationwide on Thursday.

Morales, 65, is barred by the Constitutional Court from seeking re-election.

He is also wanted on charges of human trafficking over his alleged sexual relationship with a minor while in office.