IMF head criticized for calling late Saudi king an 'advocate of women'

Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund, is under fire for describing Saudi Arabia's late king as a "strong advocate of women." Under King Abdullah's rule, the country banned female drivers.

"In a very discreet way, he was a strong advocate of women," Lagarde said. "It was very gradual, appropriately so probably for the country. I discussed that issue with him several times and he was a strong believer."

But Human Rights Watch disagrees with Lagarde's statements, saying he only brought "marginal advances for women" and "failed to secure the fundamental rights of Saudi citizens to free expression, association, and assembly."

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