ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on Tuesday said they were “closely” following the case of the death of Bashir Khalid Latif, an Iraqi engineer who died in “unclear circumstances” the day earlier, urging authorities in Baghdad to conduct "a fair, transparent, and independent investigation."

Latif, who was admitted to hospital after being subjected to physical assault in a Baghdad prison days earlier, died on Monday, with his death sparking controversy online amid accusations that he was violently tortured by prison officers.

Latif had been arrested by security forces in Baghdad in late March in unclear circumstances. His arrest stirred controversy at the time, with his family slamming his detainment as “unlawful.” However, the backlash against the authorities escalted after Latif was admitted into the hospital days later, prompting a clarification from the interior ministry.

The UNAMI said they were “deeply concerned about reports the victim suffered from traumatic injuries during detention and was transferred to hospital where he died on 7 April, 10 days after having been taken into custody and held in a police station first and then in a detention center.”

During a press conference on Saturday, the Iraqi interior ministry said that Latif was arrested in the early hours of March 28 after getting into an altercation with a federal police officer.

The ministry claimed that Latif had attempted to enter a residential complex in the Iraqi capital on the eve of March 28, saying that he was invited over for a Suhoor meal – a meal Muslims consume before dawn before commencing their fast during Ramadhan.

The ministry denied that Latif was tortured or beaten by security forces in prison and published a video recorded from inside the facility where Latif was held, claiming that the engineer was assaulted by other inmates after he allegedly tried to steal someone else’s clothing.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has already ordered the formation of a high investigative committee into the case from the start of the incident until Latif’s death, offering condolences to the engineer’s family and loved ones, and noting that the results of the probe will be released to the public once completed.

“UNAMI notes the authorities’ decision to investigate the case. The Mission emphasizes the importance of conducting a fair, transparent, and independent investigation that leads to accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses, and the adoption of measures and procedures to prevent their recurrence,” the Mission said.