In November 2012, Gallardón justified the Government's amnesty to four members of the Catalan police forces stating that "the right of pardon is power of the Government". The four policeman had previously been judged and found guilty of torturing a citizen, and sentenced to four years in prison each. On 23 September 2014 he resigned as Minister of Justice and announced his retirement from politics. His decision came after his controversial bill on abortion had been rejected by the Prime Minister of Spain, Mariano Rajoy. He also renounced to his parliamentary seat at the Congress of Deputies. The vacant seat was taken by Valentina Martínez Ferro. Lezo case On 26 April 2018, he was imputed by the judge for his involvement in the corruption scandal Case Lezo, which involves leaders of the PP in the Community of Madrid. One year later, on 30 May 2019, he was absolved together with eight of his advisors which were also being investigated. See also Holmes & Watson. Madrid Days References (from the now-defunct tematicos.universia.es). External links 1958 births Living people Justice ministers of Spain Presidents of the Community of Madrid Mayors of Madrid People's Party (Spain) politicians Recipients of the Order of the Cross of Terra Mariana, 1st Class Members of the 2nd Assembly of Madrid Members of the 3rd Assembly of Madrid Members of the 4th Assembly of Madrid Members of the 5th Assembly of Madrid Madrid city councillors (2007–2011) Madrid city councillors (2011–2015) Madrid city councillors (2003–2007) Madrid city councillors (1983–1987) Members of the People's Parliamentary Group (Assembly of Madrid)