Just because it is most of the time bullshit, it doesn't mean that is not a thing ever. The "think of the children" doesn't imply that legit application of child-protection laws are not a thing.
Telegram is for example known for Russian military bloggers, which are, in fact, promoting terrorism.
So, instead of fixing the cesspool we just designate a place for them? Why not just going after the ones committing crimes and state that big public groups must have moderation for basic shit? (Like no death threats and that kind of "moderation", not a "I don't like your opinions)
Alternatively: It is not (and generally not even encrypted) and he just happened to be in contempt.
Plenty of military-oriented and shady-business going in in there.
There's still the possibility that the authorities wanted to go after specific someones with a proper warrant and Durov blocked it. No country on earth goes for that.
We'll get to know the charges soon enough.
Why exactly is this worse?
It is an optional feature that the majority of people will be using, making herd immunity for those who do not