The interim Kyrgyz government has removed the immunity of ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.
An official says Bakiyev will be arrested if he fails to surrender to authorities.
The news comes as thousands of Bakiyev's supporters staged a rally for him in the southern stronghold of Jalalabad.
Ther ousted leader fled the capital last week following a popular uprising by the Opposition movement, who have now formed an interim government.
Bakiyev has dismissed the new government as 'gangsters' and said he will not be intimidated by threats of arrests.
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Deputy head of the new interim government, Azimbek Beknazarov, says the decree was issued while Bakiyev was in Jalalabad.
"A criminal investigation has been opened," Beknazarov says.
"If Bakiyev does not come by the afternoon we will begin an operation to detain him with the help of the special services," he says.
The interim government had previously indicated they would spare Bakiyev from prosecution in order to avoid further bloodshed.
The revolt of last week in which Bakiyev's government was deposed killed more than 80 people and injured dozens more.
