New Bolivian Interior Minister Arturo Murillo said he would imprison former President Evo Morales for the rest of his life, accusing him of terrorism.

In an interview with the Guardian newspaper, Murillo accused former President Morales of being behind an attempt to "suffocate" Bolivian cities by calling on his supporters to block important roads, leaving people in the city. In some places, there is a risk of lack of food and fuel.

Murillo, who was recently appointed by the Bolivian interim government as Interior Minister, confirmed there was a recording showing the former president Morales giving such instructions and he was "200% sure" it was true. . "It is an act of terrorism and instigating rebellion," the Bolivian Interior Minister said. "We have asked for a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison."

"Every terrorist must spend the rest of his life in prison, whoever it is, Evo Morales or whoever it is," Murillo stressed. "A former president should be twice as sentenced because everyone believes in their president."

From Mexico, where he was a refugee, former President Morales dismissed Murillo's allegations, calling it a "smear" act to prevent him from returning to Bolivia. However, he did not deny the existence of the recording Murillo mentioned. "I talk to anyone who calls me. Sometimes I don't know them. Sometimes they seek guidance from me," he said.

The Bolivian political crisis erupted after last month's election, in which Morales announced his re-election for a fourth term. Opposition accused him of cheating election results, sparking large-scale protests.

Morales was forced to resign on 10 November after the army and police did not support him. The former president said he was ousted by a coup and vowed to return, and said an international "truth committee" would be set up to verify electoral fraud.

After Morales resigned, many of his supporters, mainly farmers and indigenous people, took to the streets to protest against interim President Jeanine Anez, killing at least 29 people in clashes with security forces. The interim government of Bolivia has also filed in federal court accusing former president Morales of "inciting and terrorizing".