Bolivia has been gripped by three weeks of escalating protests that began over fuel subsidy cuts but have evolved into a broader multisectoral movement involving miners, transporters, peasants, teachers and unions. Demonstrators have blocked key routes around La Paz, attacked public buildings, and clashed with police; at least three people have died and roughly 90 have been arrested. The blockades have cut off the capital for nearly two weeks, creating acute shortages of food, fuel and medicine while stranding thousands of trucks. President Rodrigo Paz is facing mounting pressure to declare a state of exception as former president Evo Morales publicly backs the protests from Cochabamba and calls for his removal.