Digital attacks against Alexey Navalny’s online operations have opened a firehose of pressure against his supporters while the Russian opposition leader enters a third week of hunger strike amid widespread concern that he may be on the brink of death. 

The government’s powerful internet watchdog Roskomnadzor, which has expansive jurisdiction in investigating and punishing nearly any internet user, platform or organization online in Russia, is leading the campaign to quash Navalny’s anti-corruption investigations and network of regional offices around the country. 

Moscow’s chief prosecutor is seeking to designate Navalny’s foundation as an “extremist group” which would effectively shut down the organization in Russia. This looming designation has spread fear among supporters who could potentially be charged with supporting an extremist organization for posting pro-Navalny messages on social media.

A Moscow court will rule on the extremism charge on April 26. Two close associates of Navalny, Leonid Volkov and Ivan Zhdanov, have told team members they are certain the decision will not go in their favor and to prepare to shut down operations and some social media accounts.