Independence of Artin L-functions

Abstract: Let $K/\mathbb Q$ be a finite Galois extension. Let $\chi_1,\ldots,\chi_r$ be $r\geq 1$ distinct characters of the Galois group with the associated Artin L-functions $L(s,\chi_1),\ldots, L(s,\chi_r)$. Let $m\geq 0$. We prove that the derivatives $L^{(k)}(s,\chi_j)$, $1\leq j\leq r$, $0\leq k\leq m$, are linearly independent over the field of meromorphic functions of order $<1$. From this it follows that the L-functions corresponding to the irreducible characters are algebraically independent over the field of meromorphic functions of order $<1$.