The head of Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service has been promoted to the rank of deputy head. The move is part of an effort to reduce the number of prisoners in the country's prisons.

The decision was made in response to a petition signed by more than 1,000 people. The petition also called for an end to the use of torture as a political tool in the prison system. The head of the National Penitential Service said the move was necessary for the safety of the prisoners and their families.